Parent’s Guide for Allergy Testing in Kids

Many parents identify itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat as symptoms of allergies in their children. Although the cause of allergies is usually obvious, moms and dads are often left scratching their heads. Doctors can perform allergy tests to pinpoint causes and control a child's reactions, which is a blessing.

To comprehend allergy testing, it is essential to first understand what causes allergies. Antibodies are formed by your child's immune system to combat viruses, bacteria, and toxins. However, their bodies may often respond as though a harmless daily substance—such as a bite of egg or dust particles in the air—is a harmful invader. If their body rejects pollen, for example, it can send chemicals into their nose lining, causing congestion and sneezing. If it's something they've eaten, the gastrointestinal lining can become inflamed, causing diarrhea.

• Getting Set for Allergy Tests

A skin examination, in which such allergens are placed on or under the skin, may be recommended by the allergist. Skin prick tests, intradermal tests, and patch tests are the three primary categories. Alternatively, the allergist may examine blood taken from a vein. "Skin checks are marginally better than blood tests at revealing what worries your child the most and providing immediate results."

• Skin Prick Test

A skin pick test, also known as a scratch test or a percutaneous test, is particularly useful for identifying possible food and environmental allergies. Based on the size of the reaction, it can also help determine the seriousness of these allergies.

• Intradermal Allergy Monitoring

Intradermal testing may be recommended by the allergist if further allergy testing is needed. It can be used to classify possible environmental allergies as well as certain drug allergies. It's widely used to detect insect venom and penicillin sensitivities.

• Allergy Patch Testing

When it comes to identifying the cause of skin rashes and reactions occur when an allergen contacts the skin, patch testing can be extremely useful. It detects contact dermatitis, which usually occurs 9 to 96 hours after contact with the material. Poison ivy causes a rash, but it can also be caused by metals, perfumes, dyes, pesticides, beauty products, and other items.

• Allergy Blood Testing

A physical reaction to an allergen is detected using skin prick tests, intradermal tests, and patch tests. Blood checks, on the other hand, include checking the patient's blood in a lab. If a child is taking medicine that may interfere with skin test results, or if they have some skin conditions like eczema, doctors can use this test. If a serious allergic reaction is expected, blood tests can be used.

• When Your Child Has Allergy

Your doctor will advise you on how to prevent the trigger if your child has been diagnosed with an allergy. Medications to relieve symptoms are also available. Some antihistamines, for example, prevent the immune system from releasing histamine into the bloodstream, preventing or slowing allergic reactions until they begin. Steroids function by reducing inflammation caused by an immune response; they may be taken orally as nasal sprays, eyedrops, tablets, or liquids. For certain patients, allergy injections, which include injecting tiny doses of an allergen, are beneficial; they operate by developing antibodies to the allergen, which prevents serious allergic reactions in the future.

Visit us at OKOA for allergy testing for your kid. For more pediatric problems like ENT or sinus, we are at your assistance in OKC.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.