Why getting an allergy diagnosis is key to accessing the right care

Allergy Awareness Week 2025 is here and Allergy UK is launching the campaign ‘I Wish I Knew…’ to highlight the experiences of people living with allergies and raise awareness of allergy and its impact. We’re wrapping up our series with a final fact:

Getting a diagnosis for an allergy matters: it is the key to accessing the right care

It’s easy to dismiss allergy symptoms as “just hay fever” or assume you’re reacting to something mildly irritating. But without a proper diagnosis, many people end up putting up with discomfort for years or worse, facing serious allergic reactions without warning.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is the essential first step to managing allergies safely and effectively. It opens the door to the right treatment, specialist support and long-term control.

Why an allergy diagnosis is so important

Allergies can vary widely in severity, from annoying symptoms to life-threatening reactions. Without knowing exactly what’s causing your body to react, it’s hard to make the right decisions, whether that’s choosing a treatment or knowing what to avoid.

Here’s what a proper diagnosis can help with:

• Identifying your specific trigger(s): Is it pollen, dust, a certain food or something else entirely? Knowing the exact cause means you can take targeted action

• Avoiding unnecessary restrictions: Many people cut out foods or products unnecessarily, which can affect nutrition and quality of life

• Accessing the right treatment: From antihistamines to immunotherapy, the best treatments depend on what kind of allergy you have

• Planning for emergencies: For people at risk of anaphylaxis, a diagnosis ensures they have an adrenaline auto-injector and know when to use it

• Preventing worsening symptoms: Allergies that are not managed well can lead to complications like asthma or eczema flare-ups

  
  

According to a study in BMJ Open, people with undiagnosed allergies often report a lower quality of life and higher rates of absenteeism compared to those who have been properly assessed (BMJ Open, 2019).

How allergies are diagnosed

The first step is a consultation with a GP or allergy specialist. They will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle and any patterns you’ve noticed. From there, they may refer you for tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Common diagnostic methods include:

• Skin prick testing: Small amounts of suspected allergens are applied to the skin to observe any reaction

• Specific IgE blood tests: Measures immune response to particular allergens

• Elimination diets or food challenges: Used for food-related symptoms under medical supervision

  
  

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends structured allergy testing as the gold standard for diagnosis in both children and adults (2014, 2011).

Why people delay diagnosis

Many people go undiagnosed for years, especially if their symptoms are mild, seasonal or seem manageable.

Common reasons include:

• Assuming symptoms are just a cold or stress-related

• Thinking allergies are something you grow out of

• Not knowing where to go for help

• Relying on over-the-counter medication without follow-up

  
  

While over-the-counter relief can help temporarily, it doesn’t replace knowing exactly what your body is reacting to or what your long-term risks might be.

Getting the right care starts with clarity

A diagnosis isn’t just a label, it’s a gateway to better care, fewer symptoms and more confidence in managing your health. Whether it’s hay fever, food allergies or unexplained rashes, knowing what you’re dealing with can make all the difference.

Allergy UK’s campaign for Allergy Awareness Week 2025 is a reminder that people should not have to guess their way through managing an allergy. With the right information, they can make informed decisions, access the right services and protect their health more effectively.

Curious about what allergens are causing your symptoms?

295+ Allergy Test Kit from AllergyRhino

Find out by taking this comprehensive allergy blood test screens for +295 allergens, including tree pollen, grass and weed pollen, mites, cat and dog, fur, insect venoms, moulds, yeasts, food and latex, helping you pinpoint triggers and find long-term relief.

If your allergies get worse every year, or you're tired of relying on daily tablets, you might be a candidate for SLIT (sublingual immunotherapy). It’s a once-daily tablet that helps retrain your immune system to become less reactive to pollen over time. Many people find their symptoms significantly reduced within the first year, with long-term benefits that can last even after treatment ends.