Peek into Practice: RCPCH How to Manage: Paediatric Allergy Training – PAT 1

Peek into the RCPCH How to Manage: Paediatric Allergy Training – PAT 1 course

Explore each course session in depth with our summaries, designed to give you a clear understanding of what to expect. Each summary includes a practical insight or “peek” into the learning, helping you see the practical value before you book. Dive in, discover key takeaways, and secure your place to enhance your skills and professional growth.

Taking an Allergy-Focused History

Presenter: Professor Gill Vance, Professor of Medical Education, Newcastle University

Summary: This session introduces the EATERS framework for structuring allergy histories in paediatric practice. Through interactive case discussions, participants learn how to apply this method to assess likely allergic reactions and guide appropriate testing and management.

Understand the components of the EATERS history model
Apply EATERS to real-life paediatric allergy cases
Differentiate between IgE and non-IgE mediated reactions
Recognise when allergy testing is appropriate
Explore the role of clinical history in diagnosis

💡 Peek into Practice: A well-structured allergy history can be more diagnostic than a test—EATERS helps uncover patterns that guide safe, targeted investigation and avoid unnecessary restrictions.

Diagnosis and management of cows milk allergy

Presenters: Dr Mala Raman, Consultant Paediatrician, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust & Lydia Collins-Hussey, Freelance Specialist Paediatric Allergy Dietitian and Clinical Dietetic Advisor for AllergyUK

Summary: This session explores the diagnosis and first-line management of cow’s milk protein allergy (CMA), including both IgE and non-IgE mediated forms. It covers symptom recognition, elimination and reintroduction strategies, and the use of hypoallergenic formulas.

Differentiate between IgE and non-IgE mediated CMA
Recognise common symptom patterns and red flags
Understand elimination and reintroduction protocols
Explore formula options and breastfeeding strategies
Use tools like CoMiSS and EATERS to support diagnosis

💡 Peek into Practice: In non-IgE CMA, the diagnosis lies in the response—structured elimination and reintroduction is the test. Support families through this journey with clarity, empathy, and nutritional guidance.

Allergy Testing Stewardship

Presenter: Dr Minal Gandhi, Consultant Paediatrician, Royal Free Hospital & Dr Gary Stiefel, Consultant in Paediatric Allergy, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Summary: This session focuses on responsible use of allergy testing in paediatrics. It highlights the importance of clinical history, explains the limitations of IgE testing, and provides guidance on interpreting results in context.

Understand the difference between sensitisation and allergy
Use the EATERS framework to guide test selection
Interpret IgE and skin prick test results accurately
Avoid over-testing and misdiagnosis
Recognise when to challenge or refer

💡 Peek into Practice:Don’t just test—think. A positive IgE result without symptoms is sensitisation, not allergy. Let the history lead, and use tests to confirm, not confuse.

Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Presenter: Prof. Graham Roberts & Dr Eleanor Minshall

Summary: This session explores the diagnosis and management of allergic rhinitis in children, using case-based learning to highlight history-taking, investigations, and treatment strategies. It also covers when to consider immunotherapy.

Take an allergy-focused history to identify triggers
Differentiate between seasonal and perennial symptoms
Use appropriate investigations to confirm diagnosis
Apply a stepwise approach to treatment
Recognise when to refer for immunotherapy

💡 Peek into Practice: Allergic rhinitis can masquerade as poor sleep or concentration—treating it effectively can transform a child’s wellbeing and academic performance.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Eczema

Presenter: Dr Anjum Grewal, Consultant in Paediatric Allergy, Sheffield Children’s Hospital & Dr Elle Minshall

Summary: This session provides a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and managing paediatric eczema. It covers pathophysiology, treatment strategies, steroid use, and how to support families with practical plans and education.

Recognise eczema presentations across skin types and ages
Apply NICE guidelines and stepped treatment plans
Understand steroid potency and safe prescribing
Support families with emollient use and flare management
Identify and manage complications like infection

💡 Peek into Practice: The best emollient is the one the family will use—empower them with choice, education, and confidence to manage flares early and consistently.

Strategies of complimentary feeding to prevent food allergies

Presenters: Karen Wright, Senior Clinical Teaching Fellow MSc Allergy University of Southampton and Lydia Collins-Hussey

Summary: This session provides an evidence-based overview of how early complementary feeding can reduce the risk of food allergy. It covers practical strategies, current UK guidance, and the challenges families face in real-world implementation.

Understand the shift from avoidance to early introduction
Apply guidance on when and how to introduce allergens
Support families with eczema or allergy risk factors
Recognise the importance of regular exposure and diet diversity
Navigate common barriers to adherence and confidence

💡 Top Tip: Early introduction is only half the story—regular, sustained exposure is key to building tolerance and preventing allergy.

Anaphylaxis & the Collapsed Infant

Presenter: Dr Satish Chandran, Consultant Paediatrician, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals, Dr Deva Venkataraman

Summary: This session equips clinicians to recognise and manage anaphylaxis and FPIES in infants and children. Using case-based learning, it explores emergency treatment, differential diagnosis, and the evolving guidance on adrenaline use and aftercare.

Recognise the clinical features of anaphylaxis and FPIES
Understand the role and timing of adrenaline administration
Differentiate between IgE and non-IgE mediated reactions
Apply updated Resuscitation Council UK guidance
Plan appropriate aftercare and referral

💡Peek into Practice: Anaphylaxis doesn’t always present with skin symptoms—trust the ABCs. Early recognition and timely adrenaline can be life-saving, even when the picture isn’t textbook.

How to Manage: Paediatric Allergy Training 1 (PAT1)

This online course will focus on the practical, clinical management of allergy in children and young people. It is the first in a series of three Paediatric Allergy Training (PAT) courses provided by the RCPCH.

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