Why Allergy Testing Matters
Millions of people in Lucknow suffer from sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, skin rashes, and breathlessness — and never find out what they are allergic to. Without identifying the exact allergen, treatment remains symptomatic and temporary. You keep taking antihistamines, but the problem keeps coming back.
At HealthNest Clinic, Dr. Akansha Tewari — who holds a Fellowship in Asthma, Allergy & Immunology from AIIMS (under the Global Allergy Program, Colorado, USA) — offers comprehensive allergy evaluation and long-term desensitisation through immunotherapy.
What Allergies Do We Test For?
Seasonal Pollens
Grass, tree, and weed pollens — major triggers during Lucknow's season changes, especially spring and post-monsoon.
Dust Mites
House dust mite allergy is extremely prevalent in North India and a leading cause of perennial rhinitis and asthma.
Pet Dander
Cat and dog dander allergies — increasingly common in urban Lucknow households.
Mold Spores
Fungal allergens like Alternaria and Aspergillus, prevalent in humid conditions and poorly ventilated spaces.
Cockroach Allergen
A significant indoor allergen in Lucknow — often overlooked but a major asthma and rhinitis trigger.
Food Allergens
Wheat, milk, egg, soy, and other common food allergens evaluated on clinical indication.
How Skin Prick Testing Works
Skin Prick Testing (SPT) is the gold standard for identifying IgE-mediated allergic sensitisation. Small amounts of common allergen extracts are placed on your forearm skin with a tiny lancet. Results are read in 15–20 minutes. It is quick, safe, and suitable for children and adults.
- No injections, no blood draws — minimally invasive
- Tests 20–40 allergens in one session
- Immediate results — you know your triggers the same day
- Safe from age 3 onwards
SLIT — Sublingual Immunotherapy
Antihistamines treat symptoms. SLIT treats the cause. By gradually exposing your immune system to tiny doses of your specific allergen under the tongue, SLIT retrains your immune response so your body stops overreacting.
- Taken at home — no regular clinic injections needed
- Duration: 3–5 years of treatment; effects persist for years after completion
- Evidence-based — approved by WHO and recommended by ARIA guidelines
- Reduces long-term need for antihistamines, nasal sprays, and inhalers
- Safe for children — avoids the fear and pain of injection-based immunotherapy
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)
For patients who prefer or require injection-based immunotherapy, we also offer SCIT — subcutaneous immunotherapy — administered at the clinic under medical supervision. Both SCIT and SLIT are evidence-based approaches; Dr. Tewari will recommend the best fit for your specific allergy profile.
Allergy Care Package at HealthNest — Includes skin prick test panel + full allergy consultation + personalised allergen avoidance plan + immunotherapy initiation (if indicated). Call 083828 11224 to book.
When to See an Allergy Specialist
- Year-round or seasonal sneezing, runny nose, and nasal blockage not controlled by over-the-counter medicines
- Itchy or watery eyes that recur with weather or dust exposure
- Skin rashes, hives, or eczema that keep returning
- Asthma symptoms worsened by allergen exposure
- Failed multiple courses of antihistamines or nasal steroids
- Desire for long-term allergy cure rather than symptom suppression