Seeing your child have an allergic reaction for the first time can be a stressful event. For many parents, it prompts them to want to know everything their child may be allergic to. This is understandable, as allergic reactions in children can range from mild to life-threatening.
If you do suspect your child has allergies due to changes in their behavior or physical appearance, it’s important to understand how allergy testing for children works and when it’s necessary. In this article, we’ll discuss how identifying the root cause of an allergic reaction early can help your child avoid discomfort and stay safe.
Key Takeaways
- Allergy testing for children helps identify triggers and improve their quality of life.
- The most common allergy tests include skin tests, blood tests, and food challenges.
- The results of the test help your pediatrician or family doctor put together a treatment plan.
What Are the Allergy Symptoms Seen in Children
Allergies in children aren’t always present from birth; they can develop at any age and from various triggers, including environmental irritants, foods, or medication. If your child starts exhibiting the following symptoms, it could be an indication that they’re experiencing an allergic reaction.
- Nonstop runny nose
- Congestion
- Trouble breathing
- Frequent coughing
- Skin rashes or hives
- Upset stomach after eating certain foods
Talk to your child’s pediatrician or family doctor about allergy testing if you notice your child exhibiting any of these symptoms for more than a couple of weeks or if they have an adverse reaction after specific exposures. Allergy testing for children can expose the specific allergens causing your child’s symptoms and help you effectively address them.
Diagnostic Procedures: What Should You Expect?
There are several common allergy tests that your child’s pediatrician or family doctor could recommend depending on the suspected trigger. Each test involves a different testing method, and they’re not always definitive in determining what your child is allergic to. Sometimes, multiple kinds of tests are needed to rule out false positives or negative results.
Skin Test
During a skin test, the doctor places tiny drops of the potential allergens on your child’s forearm or upper back and gives them a tiny prick so the allergen can get inside their skin. If your child is allergic, a red, itchy bump will appear within 15–20 minutes. While skin tests are considered highly reliable, a reaction doesn’t always mean they’re allergic.
Blood Test
Your child’s doctor may choose a blood test if skin testing is not an option or in conjunction with a skin test to gain more insight. During a blood test, the doctor performs a standard blood draw to measure the levels of IgE antibodies that cause allergic reactions in your child’s blood. As with skin testing, a positive blood test isn’t always definitive in determining if your child is allergic to a specific allergen. Blood test results are not as quick as skin tests, with results taking a few days to return. However, they do provide valuable insight, especially when paired with other diagnostic methods.
Graded Oral Food Challenge
Graded oral food challenge is considered the gold standard for testing for food allergies and determining whether a previous allergy has been cured. These tests are performed in an inpatient hospital setting, where doctors or nurses have everything necessary to carefully treat your child should an allergic reaction occur.
During a graded oral food challenge, your child will slowly consume increasing amounts of the suspected food allergen while under close medical supervision to see if a reaction occurs. This test usually lasts a few hours.
Patch Tests and Drug Allergy Testing
Patch tests are used to determine if your child has a skin irritation. During the test, the doctor applies the allergen to the skin and then watches for a reaction. Additionally, drug allergy testing is used to determine if your child is allergic to a specific medication by administering a small amount and monitoring your child’s response.
What’s Next After Treatment?
If testing confirms an allergy, your child’s doctor or pediatrician will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include the following:
- Avoidance strategies
- Prescription or OTC medication to manage symptoms
- Allergy shots
- Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is the gradual process of naturally reducing food allergen sensitivity by building tolerance through slowly introducing the allergen in controlled doses.
When Should You Seek Allergy Testing for Children?
Prolonged allergy symptoms can have detrimental effects on your child’s sleep, school attendance, and diet. If that’s the case with your child, it may be time to pursue testing with their doctor. They can test for allergies at six months old; however, testing is usually more reliable in older children.
RMC Is Here to Support Your Child’s Health
Allergy testing for children can help provide you with peace of mind as well as be a powerful tool to improve your child’s quality of life and prevent life-threatening reactions. Don’t hesitate to contact our pediatrics and family care physicians to schedule an appointment to discuss any symptoms your child is having. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through the testing process and create a plan that allows your child to thrive and live a happy, healthy life!