- Child friendly
- What is allergy?
- What we deal with
- Dedicated Sinusitis Facility
- Your allergy consultation explained
- How allergy testing works
- Fiberoptic assessment of nose, sinuses and throat (naso-endoscopy)
- What we test
- How an allergy test is recorded
- Children's allergies
- Immunotherapy: can allergy be cured?
- Information sheets
About the clinic
The Allergy Investigation, Diagnosis & Treatment facility began as a part-time service in 1984. Over the years this has evolved to the highly specialised and resourced unit now available at the impressive Slievemore Clinic in south Dublin.
There is a wide range of allergens for testing, ranging from common provocatives such as house dust mites, pollens and animal hair. We also have an extensive range of foods for testing which includes a full complement of nuts (peanuts, walnuts, cashew nuts etc); fish and shell fish.
For patients with breathing problems we can check lung function with our high-tech Vitalograph spirometer.
For patients (adults or children) with problems in the nose and sinuses we have an Olympus ENF Type V2 fiberoptic that produces instant images. This helps them understand what the issue is and how best to manage it.
Indeed, visiting allergists have commented (with envy) at the range of investigation facilities we have in the same division. All results, allergy testing, breathing checks and digital imaging of nose, sinuses or throat are available on the day, sparing unnecessary separate investigations or repeat visits.
Finally, our costs are competitive compared to any other private allergy facility in Ireland (or elsewhere, for that matter). Check it out.
Summary: Allergy Investigation, Diagnosis & Treatment
- You do not need a doctor’s referral to make an appointment. However we prefer to involve your usual doctor in any suggested management.
- Accurate allergy testing using quality assured extracts sourced from Dome Hollister-Stier, one of the largest manufacturers of allergy compounds in the world (www.hollister-stier.com). Other extracts are sourced from Stallergenes (www.stallergenes.com)
- Serum IgE and RAST (a simple blood test) back up if needed but especially when a serious, potentially life threatening food allergy is identified.
- Where there is any suspicion of potential food induced anaphylaxis, confirmatory opinion and strategy management can be arranged with a paediatric allergist.
- Nose, sinus & throat inspection. Using an Olympus ENF Type V2 fiberoptic we can assess upper airways (from the tip of the nose right down to the vocal cords) and confirm findings with colour digital images. For example, this is invaluable in deciding if your nose obstruction is due to enlarged adenoids at the back of the throat or even very large tonsils. It also identifies where within the nose many problems are focused. You may take home a colour image of the condition for your medical records or to advise your family doctor.
- Before and after colour imaging to support treatment therapies.
- Suggested treatment strategy if requested.
- Dietary advice can be arranged with our in-house dietician Nuala Collins (a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institution).
- Specific anti-allergy treatment fact sheets depending on test results.
- Result interpretation. In other words we explain what is wrong and how we think it can be put right.
- Latest therapies: we can suggest, explain and arrange for immunotherapy, the newest anti-allergy regime available (you can read about this in 14, Immunotherapy: can allergy be cured?). There are two products available, Grazax for Hay Fever and Staloral for dust mite, pollen and animal hair allergy.
- Selected specialist referrals: if we can’t make you better we choose an appropriate specialist to take over your care. This is especially important in allergic asthma where a new compound called Xolair may be considered for use. If we believe your nose and sinus problem might be better treated by surgery we’ll choose the ENT surgeon in whose skill we have full confidence.