Child Tested for Allergies?
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Should You Get Your Child Tested for Allergies?
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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.
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.
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.