Child Tested for Allergies?

Should You Get Your Child Tested for Allergies? | Pediatric Associates of Frisco

Should You Get Your Child Tested for Allergies?

Empower your child’s health journey with Pediatric Associates of Frisco! Unveiling our Child Allergy Testing service designed to bring relief and clarity to worried parents. By identifying allergens early on, you’re not just easing discomfort but also preventing potential complications down the road. Act now to ensure your child’s well- being and pave the way for a life free from allergic hurdles. Visit Dr.Sree, MD, and our experienced medical team and secure your child’s well-being today. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 9191 Kyser Way. Suite 500, Frisco, TX 75033.

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When it comes to allergies, it is a myth that you should wait for your child to be a specific

age, as allergy testing is safe at any point, as you may never know when a child will

experience their first allergic reaction. It is recommended, however, if your child has

experienced anaphylaxis or an allergic reaction to have an allergy test done, no matter their

age, 6 weeks after the event. The reason it is recommended to wait 6 weeks, is during this

time there is a chance of getting a false negative for the allergen since the body has

created an immune response to it. The only time allergy testing has a recommended age, is

regarding seasonal allergies, with the recommended age being 2 years old or older.

Some parents may wonder just how necessary allergy testing is, but with the many different allergies and triggers, it is important but not necessary to have it done before your child begins pre-school so you can advise any necessary parties, such as teachers or the school nurse, of your child's allergies. The reason it is recommended is that, as much as schools will avoid children sharing lunches, there is always a potential for cross-contamination in the lunch room, or exposure to a food or drink your child has never had previously, which could result in an allergic reaction, or they may have a classroom pet that is a trigger for your child. This can also extend to your child's health care, since some children can be allergic to certain medications, such as penicillin, which is one of the most commonly use medications for sickness in children.

Allergy tests help reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions in situations where it may be difficult to seek medical care quickly, and this is why children who do have severe allergies carry epi-pens that carry epinephrine to treat severe allergic reactions quickly and give parents or caretakers enough time to seek emergency medical care.
There are different kinds of allergy testing available, the most common is the skin prick test since they can test for up to 50 allergies at one time, this process involves marking the area with circles on the child's skin and the doctor will make note of what allergen is used for each area if the child begins to react, such as raised or bumpy skin, then they will know what allergy caused it and can advise you of what to avoid. Your pediatrician may recommend using the elimination diet method, where you remove potential allergens from your child's diet, like dairy, gluten, or peanuts, to see if there is an improvement in allergic reactions, as this could indicate a food allergy.

Blood testing can also be used to see what antibodies are present in the blood, as these antibodies can help determine what your child is reacting to based on what ones are present, or they may use the patch test, where the allergen is placed on the skin for an extended period to see what the reaction is. Your pediatrician cann also recommend doing a food challenge test under their supervision, or the supervision of an allergist, where they will have the child slowly consume the food that is believed to be the allergen but this is only used in cases where the previous testing was inconclusive or they believe there is multiple food allergies.

There can be many symptoms that can indicate allergies, with some being similar to having a cold, so it is important to monitor your child's symptoms. If you are finding that they have a runny nose, congestion, itchy or watery eyes, and are sneezing a lot, this can be an indication of allergies if they are not sick from a virus or bacteria like the cold or flu. They may also get an ear infection from allergies, as the oral cavity and sinuses are connected to the ears, and this happens from the presence of histamines, which cause fluid retention which can build up in the ears along with the sensation of itchiness of the ear. Babies can also have allergic reactions if they are being breastfed, as the foods mum intakes create the nutrients in the milk, which is why it is recommended for mothers to avoid foods like shellfish, tree nuts, eggs, peanuts, or wheat while breastfeeding to avoid their baby having an allergic reaction.

Unless you have allergy testing done, it is hard to determine the severity of an allergy unless your child has had an anaphylactic experience before. Seeing your pediatrician if you are concerned about allergies, is the best first step so they can assist you in determining the best testing method and just how severe the allergic reaction is.

Experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your child’s allergies are identified early, allowing you to proactively manage their health and ensure a brighter, allergy-free future. Trust in Pediatric Associates of Frisco to guide you every step of the way with expertise, compassion, and a commitment to your child’s well-being. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards a happier, healthier tomorrow. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 9191 Kyser Way Suite 500, Frisco, TX 75033. We serve patients from Frisco TX, Little Elm TX, The Colony TX, McKinney TX, Prosper TX, Aubrey TX, Oak Point TX, Lakewood Village TX, Plano TX, and Dallas TX.

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