Food Allergy Challenges & Supervised Feeds in Birmingham

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We understand how challenging it can be to navigate food allergies, especially when tests and symptoms leave you uncertain. That's why we offer private, same-day, and next-day appointments for allergy consultations that offer oral food challenges and supervised feeds, giving your child the care they need quickly and without the need for a GP referral. Our expert allergy specialists provide a safe and supportive environment to help identify food allergies and offer peace of mind for families.

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How We Can Help

An Oral Food Challenge is a proven, reliable method used by allergy specialists to determine whether your child has a food allergy. It is often recommended when:

Allergy tests (such as skin or blood tests) are unclear, and your child’s symptoms suggest a potential food allergy.
You are monitoring whether your child has outgrown a food allergy.
A positive allergy test has indicated a potential food allergy, but your child has never eaten the suspected food.

By conducting a controlled, supervised oral food challenge, we can help clarify whether your child’s symptoms are related to a specific food, offering you critical insight into their health and safety.

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Pricing

New Allergy Consultation

£295

(45 min)

Physiotherapy Consultation

£80

(60 min)

Allergy Follow Up Consultation

£200

Skin Prick Allergy Testing

£150

Referral from a Paediatric Allergy Consultation

£N/A

Once an initial allergy consultation has taken place, our specialist will be able to assess the need for an oral food challenge.

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All You Need to Know About Oral Food Challenges

If your child is scheduled for an oral food challenge, this guide will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare. An oral food challenge is a carefully supervised test performed by allergy specialists to confirm or rule out food allergies.

Here's what you need to know:

An oral food challenge is a diagnostic test that helps:

Confirm a suspected food allergy when other tests (like skin or blood tests) are uncertain.
Check if a child has outgrown a previous food allergy.
Determine if a child has developed a food allergy, especially when they've never eaten the food in question.

The challenge will take place in our medical clinic on Francis Road, Birmingham, where trained staff and necessary medical equipment are available. Allergy specialists will closely monitor your child throughout the process to ensure their safety.

Initial Check-Up: Upon arrival, your child will have their vital signs checked (blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature).
Skin Prick test: This may be repeated if your child has not had one recently and will include a skin prick test to the actual food to be challenged itself.
Food Administration: The food being tested will be given in very small amounts. For younger children, this will be in a form they can easily eat, like a purée or liquid.
Close Monitoring: After each dose, your child will be observed for any allergic reactions (such as swelling, rashes, or difficulty breathing). It's important to report any unusual feelings your child experiences, like itching or tingling.
Reassurance: The medical team will be there to answer any questions and provide reassurance throughout the process.

The duration of the challenge can vary, typically lasting several hours, depending on the food being tested and the monitoring requirements. Be prepared for the test to run longer than expected.

Ensure Your Child is Healthy: Your child should be well on the day of the challenge. Minor illnesses like a cold or fever may require rescheduling.
Control Asthma: If your child has asthma, it must be well-managed. Any asthma symptoms may lead to postponing the test.
Bring Medications: Bring any allergy medications your child normally uses, although emergency medications will be available at the clinic. You will be asked not to use any antihistamines for five days before the challenge.

We will let you know everything to bring on the day. If the clinic cannot provide the food for the challenge, you'll need to bring it with you. And, we encourage parents to bring a change of clothes and extra diapers for infants. Favourite toys, books, a tablet or blankets can help keep your child calm and entertained during the wait.

While allergic reactions during an Oral food challenge are uncommon, the medical staff will monitor your child closely throughout the process. If a reaction occurs, treatment will be provided immediately, and the severity of the reaction will guide the response. Treatments can range from mild interventions (for things like a rash) and very rarely more serious measures if needed.

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Meet Our Allergy Specialist

Dr Tom Dawson is a highly skilled paediatric consultant with over 20 years of experience in allergy care. He specialises in diagnosing and managing food allergies, asthma, eczema, and other allergic conditions. Dr Dawson developed the paediatric allergy service in Worcester, where he pioneered diagnostic allergy testing and immunotherapy treatments, including food and drug challenges.

He holds an MSc in Allergy from Imperial College London and has contributed to research, academic journals, and international conferences. Dr Dawson is the chair of the Midlands Paediatric Allergy Group and plays an active role in national committees, including the BRIT registry for immunotherapy and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health's allergy standards group.

With his extensive clinical expertise and commitment to advancing allergy care, Dr Dawson is dedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for children with allergies.

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Why Choose Us

We provide a compassionate and experienced approach to food allergy testing.

Here’s why families choose us for their food allergy challenges:

Same-Day & Next-Day Appointments: We understand the urgency of food allergy concerns and offer fast access to appointments, so you don’t have to wait weeks for answers.
No GP Referral Needed: You can book directly without needing a referral, making the process quicker and more convenient for your family.
Experienced Specialists: Our team is led by Dr Tom Dawson, a leading paediatric allergy consultant with over 20 years of experience in allergy care.
Comprehensive Care: We offer a full range of allergy services, including consultations, tests, and immunotherapy, providing a holistic approach to your child’s health.

What Our Patients Say About Us

368 Total Reviews

Average Rating 4.4

We took our 4 month old daughter due to rash from suspected allergies, as NHS GP appointment did not lead to answers/ referrals. An appointment was available for two days later at Midland Health. Her allergies were confirmed in one...

Laura Bains | 4th May 2025

Midland Health

I had waited years on the NHS regarding my mild tongue tie. I had a frenectomy carried out by The NHS Coventry Hospital their maxilliofacial department, which was a bit of a fight to get as it seemed they considered...

Tasneem Abrahams | 29th Apr 2025

Midland Health

Excellent, service Dr Kudlur was very kind and knowledgable and didn’t interrupt me (Which I think would have been reasonable as I overran our time!)

Tom Owens | 23rd Apr 2025

Midland Health

From my personal experience, I am so grateful to be in a position where I was able to book a private assessment for diagnosing my ADHD with Dr Kudlur.Due to my circumstances, this prognosis required immediate action, whereas the NHS...

Jordan | 23rd Apr 2025

Midland Health

Mine experience was very good 👍. Dr very nice and polite. She checked my son very well and he improved .

Sidra Ahmed | 15th Apr 2025

Midland Health

Dr Naganna and the other members of the team were excellent when we attended with our daughter. They were thorough and answered all our questions. An excellent team and an excellent location

Kashini Andrew | 12th Apr 2025

Midland Health

I’ve had two treatments so far with Emma Conway, just want to say she is absolutely brilliant - still on the journey to achieve my results but she really makes an effort and cares, she provides great customer service even...

Saira M | 7th Apr 2025

Midland Health

Received excellent and consistent support with no issues and I recommend the service fully.

Callum Peters | 30th Mar 2025

Midland Health

Yes I was happy with my consultation

Sue Gardner | 28th Mar 2025

Midland Health

I urgently needed to see a dermatologist and was so pleased I got an appointment with Midland Health very quickly. My consultation went very well and I was given very useful information about my skin condition. I'm pleased to say...

Janet Sadler | 18th Mar 2025

Midland Health

I used Midland health for a medical and they were exceptional with dealing with my case. Highest regards goes to the very helpful Paul Pencilu at reception.

Daman Mistry | 17th Mar 2025

Midland Health

Had an ultrasound scan with Andrea, and she was amazing! She was extremely reassuring and made me feel very comfortable. Thank you!

Mini M | 15th Mar 2025

Midland Health

Dr Smotra was very thorough and completely put me at ease during my appointments. Reports were sent out straight away.

Liz Gavan | 7th Mar 2025

Midland Health

I have been using Midlands Health since 2019 for all my Medical Needs, they are an amazing organisation and provide the best of care for their patients whom they genuinely care about. If you are looking for the best GP’s...

Dave Burrell | 7th Mar 2025

Midland Health

Very professional, punctual and effective

Chris Johnson | 14th Feb 2025

Midland Health

A very well deserved 5 star review Midland Health Clinic. The reception team are so welcoming, efficient and professional. I had an appointment with the Consultant Dr Sam Smith who reviewed my medical problems and gave me his professional clinical advice which...

Carole Rush | 28th Jan 2025

Midland Health

Went in today for a last minute blood test phoned them up got an appointment straight away, staff were professional, efficient and made you feel comfortable. Big thanks to Veronica the nurse and Martha at reception!

Nita dovedi | 9th Jan 2025

Midland Health

I've had an incredibly positive experience with Dr. Rostamipour at Midlands Health Private GP. He has been incredibly supportive throughout my ADHD assessment and care. Dr. Rostamipour's holistic approach has been invaluable in guiding me through my treatment and medication...

Parminder Ubhi | 16th Dec 2024

Midland Health

Just got a tongue tie release today by Dr Amit Parmar and the experience was excellent. Firstly Dr Parmar is very polite, nice and informative about each step of the procedure. I was nervous initially but after speaking with Dr...

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Midland Health

I came here after nhs was so rude to me, I am a profoundly deaf women and nhs made me feel so small, so I came here for an audiology test, Mohammed (mo) who did my test was amazing I...

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Midland Health

Louise made me feel so relaxed and sorted my problem in a warm and professional manner in lovely surroundings. I highly recommend 👌

L Coffey | 26th Nov 2024

Midland Health

Dr Ho has taken over my daughters Care and we feel very reassured that she going to be well looked after now. Midland health have been very helpful in all areas and have provided an outstanding service so far.

Shirley Carter | 30th Oct 2024

Midland Health

Thank you, Mr Parmar for performing a minor procedure that was unavailable on the NHS but is already having such a positive impact for my daughter. She was completely put at ease and all aspects of pre and post care...

Angela Capper | 11th Sep 2024

Midland Health

Dr. Rupa parmer was very professional. The reception is kind and everyone was on time.

qusai salaita | 5th Sep 2024

Midland Health

Having never been to a private GP before I didn't know what to expect. What I got was a lovely appointment with a lady who seemed to genuinely care about how I felt and took the time to really understand...

Nat W | 3rd Sep 2024

Midland Health

My wife and I are very pleased with the service provided, the doctor who saw my son for severe eczema was very attentive and answered all of our questions thoroughly....

James Myatt | 29th Aug 2024

Midland Health

I had an initial appointment and booked for a further follow appointment up with Dr Sarah Wright. I felt well looked after, that my concerns were listened too, with a genuine desire to help me get some answers for my...

Amanda G | 27th Aug 2024

Midland Health

I used Midland Health for their Gold Package Health Check. The facilities were clean and well presented in a nice area. There was parking available on site and the reception area wasn't busy at all. Staff were extremely friendly and...

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Midland Health

the doctor was brilliant and explained my medication completely with all possible side effects. Would recommend this clinic

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Midland Health

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Midland Health

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Our Allergy Clinic in Birmingham

Located in the heart of Birmingham, our clinic on Francis Road is a welcoming, professional environment designed to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by expert allergists and nurses, we ensure your child receives the highest standard of care.

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FAQ

Food allergen challenges, also known as oral food challenges, are tests performed under medical supervision to determine if a specific food causes an allergic reaction. Small, controlled amounts of the suspected food are given, and the child is monitored closely for any signs of an allergic response.

This is a very low-risk challenge that some parents might do at home, but others may feel too anxious. Allergy testing will have already been done and will be negative, and the child will usually have no medical history of having reacted to these foods. This may be in a child with other allergies, e.g. peanut allergy, but has not had exposure to other nuts or perhaps where a parent has a nut allergy and does not want to be exposed. Up to three allergens are given in quick succession or mixed, depending on the child’s age, followed by an observation period. Occasionally, some parents will request this during weaning.

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Paediatric Allergy Clinic

Food Allergy Challenges & Supervised Feeds in Birmingham

Food Allergy Challenges & Supervised Feeds in Birmingham

How We Can Help