Allergies are on the rise in the US, affecting one in 13 children. Childhood allergies can cause a lot of problems. Your child may have trouble sleeping or have to miss school because they aren’t feeling well. In some cases, allergies may even be dangerous or life-threatening. If your child is dealing with allergies it’s important that you turn to an allergist to find out what’s causing your child’s symptoms.
What is allergy testing?
There are a variety of allergy tests that can be done. The two most common allergy tests are skin and blood tests, which look for reactions to common allergens including,
- Pollen
- Insect bites and stings
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Medications
- Foods
Since some food allergies can be severe and even life-threatening a blood test is actually safer than a traditional skin test. Skin tests are typically used to look for more mild-to-moderate reactions to indoor and outdoor allergens. Sometimes an elimination diet is necessary to figure out what food or foods your child is allergic to. This is something that we will discuss more in depth when your child comes into the office for an evaluation.
Is it time to test my child?
This may be something that you discuss with your child’s pediatrician. If symptoms are mild and aren’t interfering with their life then allergy testing may not be necessary; however, if your child is experiencing respiratory issues as a result of allergies then it’s time to get them tested. You should also bring them in for testing if they are experiencing,
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
- Rashes
- Hives
- Itchy skin
- Stomach cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
Allergy testing can help determine whether your child’s symptoms are due to allergies or another condition that requires treatment.
