Allergy Advice Centre
Plain-language guides on childhood allergy — written by Dr Mugilan Anandarajan, Consultant Paediatrician (FRCPCH, MD).
Does My Child Need Allergy Testing?
A guide for parents on when specialist allergy testing is appropriate, what it involves, and what to expect from an appointment with Dr Anandarajan.
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Milk Allergy vs Lactose Intolerance: What's the Difference?
Cow's milk allergy and lactose intolerance are frequently confused. This article explains the key differences, symptoms and management of each condition.
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Introducing Peanuts Safely to Babies
Current UK guidance recommends early introduction of peanut in most infants. Dr Anandarajan explains when and how to introduce peanut safely.
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Can Eczema Be Caused by Food Allergy?
The relationship between eczema and food allergy is complex. Dr Anandarajan explains when allergy testing is useful in children with eczema.
Read articleWhat Happens During Allergy Testing?
A step-by-step guide to what happens at an allergy appointment with Dr Anandarajan — from the initial consultation to skin prick testing and results.
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When Should My Child Carry an Adrenaline Pen?
Not every child with a food allergy needs an adrenaline auto-injector. Dr Anandarajan explains who needs one, which device to use, and how to use it.
Read articleUnderstanding Skin Prick Testing
Skin prick testing is one of the most common allergy tests used in children. This article explains how it works, what to expect, and how to interpret results.
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Common Food Allergies in Children
An overview of the most common food allergies in children — milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat and soy — including symptoms, diagnosis and management.
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Managing Allergy Anxiety in Parents
A diagnosis of food allergy or anaphylaxis risk can be frightening for families. Dr Anandarajan offers practical advice on managing anxiety and building confidence.
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Hay Fever in Children: Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment
Hay fever affects 1 in 5 children in the UK. Dr Anandarajan explains pollen seasons in Northern Ireland, antihistamines, nasal sprays and when specialist testing is needed.
Read articleAnaphylaxis Action Plans for Children: A Parent's Guide
What is an anaphylaxis action plan, who needs one, and how to use an adrenaline auto-injector? Essential reading for parents of children at risk of severe reactions.
Read articleCow's Milk Allergy in Babies: Formula Guide for Parents
Which formula is right for a baby with cow's milk allergy? Dr Anandarajan explains extensively hydrolysed, amino acid and soy formulas — and the milk ladder.
Read articleEczema in Children: Causes, Triggers and Treatment
A parent's guide to atopic eczema — from emollient therapy and steroid creams to identifying food and environmental triggers and when allergy testing helps.
Read articleTree Nut Allergy in Children: What Parents Need to Know
Which nuts are tree nuts? How does tree nut allergy relate to peanut allergy? Dr Anandarajan explains cross-reactivity, testing and safe management.
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Egg Allergy in Children: Cooking and Baking Without Eggs
Practical guidance on egg substitutes in baking, hidden egg in foods, label reading and understanding the egg ladder for reintroducing egg.
Read articleAllergy Testing in Babies and Infants: What Parents Need to Know
Can babies be allergy tested? Dr Anandarajan explains when infant allergy testing is appropriate, what tests are used and how to interpret results in the first year of life.
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Managing Food Allergy at School in Northern Ireland
A practical guide to school allergy policies, action plans, adrenaline auto-injectors and working with school staff to keep your child safe in Northern Ireland.
Read articlePrivate Allergy Testing for Children in Belfast: What to Expect
A step-by-step guide to private paediatric allergy appointments — from booking to results, what tests are done, and what to bring on the day.
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Hives (Urticaria) in Children: Causes, Treatment and When to Worry
Why does my child keep getting hives? Dr Anandarajan explains acute and chronic urticaria — causes, antihistamine treatment and when specialist assessment is needed.
Read articleComponent-Resolved Diagnostics: Advanced Allergy Testing Explained
How testing for specific allergen proteins — rather than whole extracts — gives a more accurate picture of allergy severity and guides management decisions.
Read articleOral Allergy Syndrome: Why Fruit Makes My Child's Mouth Itch
Why does raw fruit make some children's mouths tingle? Dr Anandarajan explains pollen-food allergy syndrome — causes, which foods are involved and how to manage it.
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Benedict's Law and School Allergy Safety in Northern Ireland
What Benedict's Law means for children with allergies, its current status in Northern Ireland, and how schools can improve allergy safety.
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