What To Expect During Allergy Testing
posted: Sep. 21, 2022.
Allergies can affect as many as one in three children, but unless your child encounters the environmental trigger that causes it you may not know they are allergic or how severe their allergic reaction can be when they do encounter it. The earlier that an allergy is detected the better to avoid possible complications, and that's where allergy testing comes in. Allergy testing can provide the information you need to keep your kid safe, you can learn more about it by reaching out to your local Clarkston, Lithonia, and Smyrna, GA pediatricians of the Decatur Pediatric Group.
Types of Tests
What you can expect during allergy testing will depend on the type of allergy your child's doctor is testing for. The most common one is the skin prick test, which involves placing allergens on the skin with a very small needle to see which of them causes a reaction. A small bump is usually the extent of the reaction caused by this test. A patch test is a similar alternative but without needles, instead, a patch is worn for about 48 hours, and then it is removed at the doctor's office.
Your doctor will typically recommend either of these tests depending based on their judgment, although there are other tests that could be used if others prove inconclusive.
Allergy Testing in Clarkston, Lithonia, and Smyrna, GA
Testing can be done at any age but it is usually recommended for children 6 months or older, it's important to speak with your child's pediatrician if you notice potential allergy symptoms, the sooner allergies are identified and treated the better your child's quality of life will be.
Symptoms to look out for include skin rashes, itchy eyes, trouble breathing, sneezing, runny nose, and congestion, among others. Keeping note of these reactions and when they happened and where can help your doctor narrow down potential allergies.
If you are interested in allergy testing you can schedule a visit in Clarkston, Lithonia, and Smyrna, GA with your local experts of the Decatur Pediatric Group by dialing (404) 296-7133.