Taking an Allergy Focused History
Presenter: RCPCH Faculty (Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health)
Summary: This session introduces the EATERS framework for structuring a paediatric allergy history.
Attendees will apply this method to real-life cases, explore how to gather additional clinical details beyond EATERS, and learn how to use history to guide allergy diagnosis and testing decisions.
💡 Did you know?The EATERS method helps clinicians systematically assess allergic reactions by focusing on when, where, and how symptoms occur—and whether they happen consistently.
First Line Management of Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy
Presenters: Dr Mala Raman (Paediatric Consultant) & Lydia Collins-Hussey (Paediatric Allergy Dietitian)
Summary: This session explores the diagnosis and management of Cow’s Milk Allergy (CMA), including:
- IgE-mediated (immediate immune response)
- Non-IgE-mediated (delayed, often gastrointestinal)
- Mixed presentations
Attendees will learn to distinguish CMA from lactose intolerance, apply elimination and reintroduction strategies, and understand the use of hypoallergenic formulas such as:
- EHF – Extensively Hydrolysed Formula
- AAF – Amino Acid Formula
The session also covers breastfeeding support and nutritional supplementation.
💡 Did you know?In suspected non-IgE-mediated CMA, the gold standard for diagnosis is a 2–4 week elimination of cow’s milk followed by a monitored reintroduction to observe symptom recurrence.
Allergy Testing Stewardship
Presenters: Minal Gandhi & Dr Gary Stiefel
Summary: This session focuses on responsible use of allergy testing through the principles of IgE stewardship. Attendees will:
- Understand the difference between sensitisation and true allergy
- Use the EATERS framework to evaluate clinical history before testing
- Interpret SPT (Skin Prick Testing) and SpIgE (Specific Immunoglobulin E) results in context
- Recognise when food challenges are appropriate
- Avoid unnecessary or misleading tests
💡 Did you know? A positive IgE test alone does not confirm allergy—clinical history is essential. Always match test results to the story.
Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Presenters: Prof. Graham Roberts & Dr Eleanor Minshall
Summary: This session explores the diagnosis and management of allergic rhinitis in children:
- Learn how to take an allergy-focused history covering nasal, ocular, and respiratory symptoms
- Identify common triggers such as pollen, pets, and house dust mites
- Understand diagnostic tools including skin prick testing and specific IgE testing
- Review a stepwise treatment approach including antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and immunotherapy
- Discuss real-life paediatric cases to illustrate practical management
💡 Did you know?A diagnosis of allergic rhinitis requires at least two nasal symptoms—such as sneezing, itching, blockage, or watery discharge—and may present atypically with cough or snoring.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Eczema
Presenters: Dr Anjum Grewal & Dr Eleanor Minshall
Summary: This session provides a comprehensive overview of eczema (atopic dermatitis) in children:
- Understand the pathophysiology and burden of eczema
- Learn how to assess severity using clinical scoring tools
- Explore a stepped treatment approach including emollients, topical corticosteroids, and calcineurin inhibitors
- Review practical guidance on bathing, emollient therapy, and steroid use
- Discuss management of complications such as eczema herpeticum and bacterial infections
💡 Did you know?Regular emollient use—even when the skin appears clear—can reduce the need for topical steroids by up to 40%.
Preventing Food Allergy Through Complementary Feeding
Presenters: Karen Wright & Lydia Collins-Hussey
Summary: This session focuses on allergy prevention through early infant feeding practices:
- Review the evolution of UK infant feeding guidance and the shift from allergen avoidance to early introduction
- Understand the evidence from key studies (LEAP, EAT, PreventADALL) supporting early introduction of allergens
- Learn how to identify high-risk infants and introduce allergens safely and effectively
- Explore practical strategies for supporting families with feeding tips and regular exposure guidance
- Discuss the role of diet diversity and maintaining tolerance through continued consumption
💡 Did you know?Introducing peanut and egg between 4–6 months of age—and continuing to offer them regularly—can significantly reduce the risk of developing allergies to these foods.
