Food Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment

Expert care for allergic reactions affecting digestion, skin, breathing and overall wellbeing

Our specialist team provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for food allergies in both children and adults. Led by Professor Gideon Lack, we combine pioneering research with personalised care plans to help you manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Comprehensive testing to identify specific food triggers
Evidence-based prevention and management strategies
Expert guidance for introducing foods safely in early life
Speak to our Team

What is food allergy?

Food allergy occurs when your immune system overreacts to proteins in certain foods, triggering symptoms that can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening reactions. Food allergies affect up to 8% of children and about 2-4% of adults in the UK, with some allergies resolving over time and others persisting throughout life.

How food allergies develop

Food allergies develop when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain food proteins as harmful and produces antibodies against them. There are two main types:
Immediate food allergies (IgE-mediated)
These reactions are driven by IgE antibodies and typically occur within minutes to two hours of eating the trigger food. When you're exposed to the food again, these antibodies trigger the release of chemicals like histamine, causing rapid symptoms.
Delayed food allergies (non-IgE-mediated)
These reactions are not caused by IgE antibodies and typically occur hours or even days after eating the trigger food, making them more difficult to identify and manage.

Common symptoms

Food allergies can present with various symptoms depending on the type:
Immediate reaction symptoms
  • Skin reactions (hives, redness, itching)
  • Swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat
  • Digestive symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea)
  • Respiratory symptoms (sneezing, wheezing, difficulty breathing)
  • Cardiovascular symptoms (drop in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting)
  • In severe cases, anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction affecting multiple body systems
Delayed reaction symptoms
  • Eczema flares or skin rashes
  • Digestive issues (reflux, colic, constipation)
  • Blood or mucus in stools
  • Poor growth in children

Common food allergens

While any food can potentially cause an allergic reaction, these eight allergens account for the majority of food allergies:
Asthma
Peanut allergy
Affects approximately 2% of children and often persists for life. Professor Lack's LEAP study revolutionised prevention approaches.
Learn more
Eczema
Tree nut allergy
Includes allergies to walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews and more. Often co-exists with peanut allergy and is one of the allergies least likely to be outgrown.
pet allergies
Dairy allergy
Most common in infants and young children. Different from lactose intolerance. Many children outgrow milk allergy by school age.
Emergency
Egg allergy
Predominantly affects children under 5 years. About 70% outgrow it by adolescence. Many egg-allergic children can tolerate baked egg products.
Eczema
Wheat allergy
Different from coeliac disease. Often outgrown in early childhood. Requires careful reading of food labels due to wheat's prevalence in processed foods.
Eczema
Shellfish allergy
More common in adults than children. Typically persists for life. Includes allergies to prawns, crabs, lobster and other crustaceans.
Eczema
Fish allergy
Can develop at any age, even in adulthood. Usually a lifelong condition. Different fish species may trigger different reaction patterns.
hayfever
Sesame allergy
Increasingly recognised as a major allergen. Found in hummus, tahini and certain breads. Can cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.

When to seek specialist care

While mild allergic symptoms can sometimes be managed with the help of your GP, specialist care is recommended if you or your child:
Has experienced severe allergic reactions to food
Has multiple food allergies or suspected allergies
Needs comprehensive allergy testing to identify specific triggers
Has food allergies alongside other allergic conditions like asthma or eczema
Requires support with nutrition when avoiding multiple foods
Would benefit from early prevention strategies based on family history
Needs guidance on safely introducing potentially allergenic foods in infancy
Has skin or digestive symptoms that might be related to food allergies
For infants and young children specifically, early specialist intervention is vital following Professor Lack's groundbreaking research showing that early introduction of allergenic foods can prevent food allergies developing.
Speak to Our Team

Our expert approach to food allergy care

We provide comprehensive management of food allergies through advanced diagnostics and personalised treatment plans designed to improve quality of life while ensuring safety.
Comprehensive assessment
Our specialists begin with a thorough evaluation that includes:
Detailed medical and dietary history
Physical examination focusing on potential allergy signs
Advanced diagnostic testing:
  • Skin prick testing to identify potential triggers
  • Blood tests to measure specific IgE antibodies
  • Component resolved diagnostics for detailed protein analysis
  • Oral food challenges in a controlled, safe environment when appropriate
Personalised management plans
Drawing on Professor Lack's pioneering research, we develop tailored plans that include:
Specific avoidance strategies for confirmed allergens
Nutritional guidance to ensure a balanced diet despite restrictions
Personalised emergency action plans for managing reactions
Education on reading food labels and identifying hidden allergens
Strategies for managing allergies in different environments
Prevention and treatment strategies
We offer innovative approaches based on the latest research:
Early introduction protocols for infants at risk of developing food allergies
Supervised introduction of baked/processed forms of allergens when appropriate
Food desensitisation approaches for suitable candidates
Ongoing monitoring to identify when children might outgrow allergies
Regular reassessment and plan adjustment as allergies evolve

Why choose LACK Allergy Clinic for hay fever treatment?

Our clinic is uniquely positioned to provide expert care for food allergies:
Led by Professor Gideon Lack, whose groundbreaking LEAP and EAT studies transformed food allergy prevention globally
Evidence-based approach grounded in cutting-edge research
Comprehensive care addressing both immediate and delayed food allergies
Specialised protocols for infants and children at risk of developing allergies
Personalised management plans tailored to your lifestyle needs
Support for the whole family in managing food allergies
Coordination with dietitians, schools and other healthcare providers
Request an Appointment
Eczema
“As far as our family is concerned, Professor Lack is a miracle worker. We trust his advice implicitly and are very lucky to have him as our daughter’s specialist.”
Eczema
28th Sept 2024
Eczema
verified patient

Pioneering research, personalised care

Our approach combines our team's groundbreaking research into the causes and treatment of allergies with deeply personalised care. Professor Lack's LEAP and EAT studies have transformed our understanding of food allergy prevention, demonstrating that early introduction of allergenic foods can significantly reduce allergy development in children. As global leaders in allergy prevention and treatment, we're dedicated to transforming lives through evidence-based therapies and early intervention strategies.
More About the LACK Clinic

Your questions answered

What's the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?
Food allergies involve the immune system and can cause potentially serious reactions. They occur when the body produces an antibody response to specific food proteins. Food intolerances, however, don't involve the immune system and typically cause digestive symptoms only. While intolerances can be uncomfortable, they aren't life-threatening. Common examples include lactose intolerance (difficulty digesting milk sugar) and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. Our specialists can help determine whether your symptoms indicate an allergy or intolerance.
Can my child outgrow their food allergies?
Many children do outgrow certain food allergies, particularly those to milk, egg, soy and wheat. Research shows about 80% of milk and egg allergies resolve by adolescence. Peanut, tree nut, fish and shellfish allergies are less commonly outgrown, with only about 20% of children outgrowing peanut allergy. Regular assessment by our specialists can track changes in your child's allergies and determine if they've developed tolerance. This may include carefully supervised food challenges when appropriate.
How accurate is food allergy testing?

Food allergy testing, including skin prick tests and specific IgE blood tests, helps identify sensitisation to foods but doesn't diagnose allergy with complete certainty. These tests can have both false positives (showing sensitisation without actual allergy) and false negatives. For definitive diagnosis, we consider:

  • Your detailed clinical history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Results from multiple testing methods
  • Supervised oral food challenges when necessary

Our comprehensive approach ensures the most accurate diagnosis possible, avoiding both unnecessary food restrictions and potential safety risks.

What is the difference between immediate and delayed food allergies?
Immediate (IgE-mediated) allergies typically occur within minutes to two hours after food consumption and involve IgE antibodies. Symptoms can include hives, swelling, respiratory difficulties, and potentially anaphylaxis. Delayed (non-IgE-mediated) allergies develop hours to days after eating and don't involve IgE antibodies. They typically affect the digestive system or skin, causing symptoms like eczema flares, reflux, or altered bowel movements. Some children can have mixed reactions with both immediate and delayed symptoms. Our specialists are experienced in diagnosing and managing both types of allergic responses.
What is pollen-food syndrome?
Pollen-food syndrome (also called oral allergy syndrome) is a form of food allergy that affects people with existing pollen allergies. It occurs when the immune system recognises similarities between pollen proteins and related proteins in certain raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Typical symptoms include immediate itching or tingling in the mouth and throat after eating these foods. The condition occurs because the proteins responsible are similar in structure to pollen proteins but are usually destroyed by cooking. Our specialists can help identify specific triggers and provide management strategies for this condition.
What is LACK clinic's approach to preventing food allergies?

Professor Lack's ongoing research, particularly the LEAP and EAT studies, revolutionised our understanding of food allergy prevention. His work demonstrated that early introduction of potentially allergenic foods (particularly peanut) can significantly reduce the risk of developing allergies, contrary to previous advice recommending avoidance.

  • Introduction of allergenic foods from around 4-6 months of age
  • Continuing breastfeeding alongside food introduction when possible
  • Careful introduction protocols for high-risk infants (those with eczema or family history)
  • Regular consumption of allergenic foods to maintain tolerance

This evidence-based approach has been adopted in clinical guidelines worldwide and forms the foundation of our prevention strategies at LACK Clinic.

Ready to take control of food allergies?

Our specialist team can help you identify your specific food triggers and develop an effective management plan for living confidently with food allergies.
Speak to our Team
London Medical 

49 Marylebone High St.
The Portland Hospital 

215 Great Portland Street 

07493 280048 
/ 07765 977819
admin@londonallergy.com
Book Appointment
About
Prof. Gideon Lack
Dr. Susan Chan
Meet the Team
Your Visit
Testimonials
Press and Media
Insurance
FAQs
Privacy Policy
Allergy Care

Allergy symptoms
Allergic conditions
Treatments for allergies
Knowledge
Copyright 2025 London Allergy Care and Knowledge. All Rights Reserved