Many allergies begin to show symptoms in as early as infancy and childhood. Allergies may cause symptoms that come up externally (on the skin) or internally (congestion, anaphylactic shock, etc.). If your child is exhibiting unusual symptoms after eating certain foods or during allergy season, he or she could have allergies.
Determining if your child has allergies on your own is almost impossible. However, an allergist can use allergy testing find out if your child has allergies and what they’re allergic to.
Why Is Allergy-Testing Important?
Finding out what your child is allergic to is important to their health and safety, and when differentiating between an allergic reaction and other health issues.
Some allergies cause mild symptoms that can be treated using antihistamines. It can be easy to confuse allergy systems with that of a cold, flu, and other health issues. Knowing that your child definitely has allergies can help you identify when your child is really sick and when it’s allergies at work..
Additionally, many kids have severe allergies that can have life-threatening symptoms, such as anaphylactic shock. In such situations, it’s critical to have emergency treatment (EpiPen) on hand at all times, in case your child comes into contact with an allergen. Whether your child needs this type of treatment can only be determined with a diagnosis derived from allergy testing.
When To Schedule Allergy Testing
You may be wondering when is a good time to have your child tested for allergies. Should you wait until they reach adolescence or a certain age to be tested? When is it too early to test? The truth is, there is no right or wrong age for allergy testing. Allergies can affect anyone – young or old – and you should get tested as soon as you suspect something is amiss. If your child experiences any of the following symptoms, talk to his or her doctor about getting allergy testing done.
Irritated Nasal Passages
Irritated nasal passages accompanied by sneezing are common symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Common triggers are pollen, pet dander, dust, mold, and smoke. If you notice your child developing these symptoms during allergy season, when animals are around, or after being in a particularly dirty or dusty setting, it could be allergies.
Difficulty Breathing
If your child has trouble breathing, particularly after eating certain foods, during pollen season, or when animals are around, they may have allergies. Difficulty breathing is a symptom of asphyxiation, the most dangerous allergic reaction that is commonly triggered by food.
Itchy Skin Bumps and Marks
Skin bumps and marks are usually a sign of atopic dermatitis or hives. There are many possible triggers, including certain fabrics, bath products, and foods. If you notice visible bumps or an extreme inching sensation in your child, consider getting allergy testing done.
Allergy Testing for Kids in Bradenton, Florida
If you suspect your child may have allergies, it’s best to be safe than sorry – visit an allergist as soon as possible for testing. At Intercoastal Medical Group, our allergy specialists have years of experience helping adult and pediatric patients manage allergies.
If you would like to find out what your child is allergic to and set up a treatment plan, we welcome you to our clinic at Lakewood Ranch I. To schedule a consultation, call (941) 362-8640 or request an appointment now. We look forward to
