Does your child often get colds at certain times? Or does he get sick after eating certain foods? Although we often think of these as normal things, sometimes this could be a sign of an allergy. Sometimes these symptoms are just a minor annoyance, but in some cases they can even be life-threatening. So today we are going to talk about whether a child should have an allergy test at a time like this and how to do it.
When should you consider an allergy test?
If a child has persistent allergies, it can have a big impact on their daily life. Imagine your child waking up every night because they have trouble breathing. Or they can't concentrate on their studies at school because they're constantly sneezing. Things like this can affect your child's:
- To sleep
- For school work
- For diet
- And can affect overall health.
Usually, when you take your child to a doctor, they will first try some allergy medications. However, if those don't help and your child has the symptoms below, they may refer you to an allergist .
- Cold-like symptoms that last more than a week and occur at about the same time every year.
- Asthma condition.
- Hives or skin rashes.
- Coughing or wheezing, especially at night.
What happens when you see an allergist?
This specialist is someone who has special training in diagnosing and treating allergies. He or she will examine your child and ask about:
- What are the child's symptoms and when do they occur?
- The child is given a complete physical exam to check for signs of allergies.
In addition, he will definitely ask about your family history . Because allergies can be hereditary. Simply put, if both parents have allergies, there is about a 75% chance that a child will develop them. If only one parent has them, the chance is about 50%. Therefore, this information is very important to the doctor.
What types of allergy tests are done on children?
The specialist may suggest different types of tests depending on the child's condition. Let's see what they are.
| Test type | What happens in that? |
|---|---|
| Skin prick test | A small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on the child's skin and lightly scratched with a small needle. If there is an allergy, the area will turn red and itch. About 50 allergens can be tested at one time. |
| Intradermal test | Using a very small needle, a very small amount of the allergen is injected under the skin. The reaction is then observed. |
| Patch test | This is done to look for allergies that occur when certain things come into contact with the skin for too long. A small patch containing the potential allergen is stuck to the child's skin. |
| Blood test | A blood sample is taken and tested for specific antibodies that cause allergies. |
| Elimination diet | This involves temporarily eliminating foods that your child is suspected of being allergic to (e.g., milk, eggs, peanuts). You only try one food at a time. This requires some patience. |
| Food challenge test | This is done when other tests have not given a clear answer. Under the supervision of a doctor, the food that is suspected of being allergic is introduced to the child very slowly, little by little. |
What do you do after receiving the test results?
Once all the test results are received, the doctor will create a treatment plan that is appropriate for your child. This may include recommendations such as:
- Medications to control symptoms.
- To prevent your child from being allergic to things , you need to make changes in the home environment or diet .
- Injections or sublingual tablets are given to gradually reduce the child's sensitivity to allergens.
- Keep emergency medication on hand to use in case of a severe allergic reaction.
The most important thing is that the final decision is not made based on the results of an allergy test alone. The doctor will also consider the child's history of exposure to the allergen and any reactions that have occurred. Sometimes these tests can give false positive results, so the results should always be analyzed very carefully.
Take-Home Message
- If your child has a cold, cough, or skin rash that lasts more than a week, it could be an allergy. Talk to a doctor about it.
- There are several types of allergy tests. Your doctor will decide which test is best for your child.
- Not only test results, but also the child's symptoms and family history are very important in creating a treatment plan.
- If you are diagnosed with an allergy, don't panic. Your doctor will clearly explain to you how to stay away from allergens and the types of medications you need.
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