Pediatric Allergy Testing Clinic Questions and Answers

Pediatric allergy testing can be done by a pediatrician or a pediatric allergist. If your child has symptoms that affect the skin, respiratory system, and/or gastrointestinal system after exposure to certain foods, plants, animals, or other substances, you may begin to suspect they have allergies. Allergies can be just a minor annoyance, or they can be life-threatening. It’s important to undergo allergy testing to confirm any allergies and receive medical advice on the best way to live with allergies and reduce risk of serious outcomes. The most serious allergy reaction is anaphylaxis, which can include constriction of the airway, loss of consciousness, and can even be fatal. Kidswood Pediatrics in Winter Park, FL conducts allergy testing along with many other pediatric services. Once the child’s allergens are identified, many children can simply avoid their allergy triggers, but in some cases, they may need to carry prescription medication for emergency reactions. Epinephrine is an emergency medication used to halt anaphylaxis.

Some allergies are very well known, while others are more rare. The ten most common allergies include the following:

-Pollen from grass, trees, and weeds. Pollen allergies tend to affect the respiratory system and cause sneezing, runny and stuffy nose, and itchy, red, watery eyes.
-Mold. Mold spores can cause coughing, itchy eyes, and breathing or airway problems like asthma.
-Food – common food allergens are milk, egg, peanut, soy, wheat, tree nuts, fish and shellfish, but can include many other foods like sesame, spices, and fruits and vegetables. Food reactions can vary widely, including hives, swelling around the mouth, nausea or vomiting, and breathing problems including severe anaphylaxis.
-Gluten – although primarily found in foods that contain wheat and rye, gluten can also be found in some medications, vitamin supplements, and cosmetics. Gluten allergy causes severe gastrointestinal problems and can damage the lining of the intestinal tract causing permanent issues absorbing nutrients from food, which can cause long lasting issues with bone density, nerve function, and fertility.
-Animal saliva and dander, which are tiny bits of skin shed by animals with fur or feathers. Animal allergies usually involve the respiratory system and the skin and cause itching, hives, sneezing, and runny nose.
-Dust mites, which are tiny bugs that live in carpets, furniture, and fabrics. Dust mite allergies can cause sneezing and runny nose, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
-Insect venom. People who are allergic to venom from stinging or biting insects like bees, wasps, mosquitos, and fleas usually experience swelling and redness, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes anaphylaxis.
-Cockroaches. Similar to dust mites, cockroaches can cause breathing symptoms like asthma with their saliva and droppings.
-Latex. Latex gloves, toys, or medical devices can cause red, itchy skin, eye irritation, sneezing, and severe breathing problems.
-Drugs and medications. Some drugs like penicillin, sulfa antibiotics, aspirin or ibuprofen can cause symptoms like skin rashes and itching, breathing problems including anaphylaxis, swelling, vomiting, and dizziness.

Skin prick tests are done to find out if suspected allergens cause a response. For 24 hours before a skin prick test, avoid using antihistamines so that the full reaction can be observed.

The doctor will use the following process:

-Clean the area with alcohol.
-Place drops of a liquid containing various allergens on the skin.
-Lightly prick the skin within the drops with a needle or special device.
-Examine the skin after about 15 minutes and take measurements on any red, swollen sites.
-Positive reactions can be very itchy, depending on severity of the allergy, so a topical remedy may be applied to reduce discomfort.

At Kidswood Pediatrics we know that allergies can be serious, but they don’t have to be scary. We can provide you with answers to your questions and strategies to help even our youngest patients learn how to manage their allergies, and we encourage you to book an appointment today.

If you are interested in learning more about our services or would like to book an appointment, call us or schedule online! We serve patients from Winter Park FL, Goldenrod FL, Lockhart FL, Maitland FL, Bertha FL, and Slavia FL.