Alester Brown

How to Test Your Child for Allergies

Allergies can present in people of all ages, but they can be especially challenging when they present in children. Smaller children tend to be very busy and can get into all kinds of things, making it difficult to track down the source of an allergen. Older children may be able to verbalize better, but tracking down the source of an allergic reaction can still be difficult.

Allergy testing is often the first course of action when a child presents with what appears to be an allergic reaction. There are several avenues parents can pursue when trying to get to the bottom of an allergy problem.

At-Home Testing

One of the most convenient ways to test your child for allergies is to use at-home tests. Allergy testing at home allows you to test without the need to visit a doctor's office, and this can be a big plus for busy parents. In most cases, allergy testing at home will involve the use of a test kit that requires a sample to be taken and sent off to a lab, so full results may not be immediate.

Additionally, at-home allergy testing should not be considered a substitute for a visit with your doctor. If an at-home test kit returns a positive result, you're encouraged to seek advice from your child's pediatrician.

Blood and Skin Tests

When you seek in-office testing, these tests will usually be carried out by either taking a blood sample or by applying allergens to the skin to look for a reaction. These types of tests may be a bit more time-consuming and uncomfortable.

Inhalation Tests

An inhalation test, also sometimes referred to as a challenge test, involves an allergist presenting a potential allergen for inhalation by the child being tested. The child is then monitored to see if an allergic reaction occurs.

This type of test must be carried out by a medical professional and involves risks. Emergency medical response support should always be nearby when undertaking an inhalation or challenge allergy test.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown is a certified immunotherapist. She advises people on personalized home allergy and skin treatment at home. You can find her thoughts at allergy tests blog.