When Is Allergy Testing Recommended?

Food and environmental allergies affect approximately two students in every classroom, which equates to 6% of children in the U.S., according to research. Allergies in children can be substantially problematic. For example, your child may experience hay fever symptoms, i.e., runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, or scratchy throat, which can affect their school or sleeping routine. Allergies can also be hazardous or life-threatening because, in some cases, symptoms can correlate with asthma, which can cause trouble breathing. Fortunately, Decatur Pediatric Group offers allergy testing in Lithonia, Clarkston, and Smyrna, GA, to identify your child's triggers, manage symptoms, and provide relief.

When Is Allergy Testing Recommended?

If your child has mild to moderate skin reactions to pollen, insect bites and stings, pet dander, mold, medications, and foods, allergy testing may be necessary. Different types of allergies occur for many reasons. For example, your child could be allergic to peanuts or shellfish, insect stings (bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets), latex from doctor's office gloves, or mold in the house. Allergy testing can help them avoid itchy skin, rashes, hives, or more severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or wheezing. During allergy testing, our pediatrician may ask about your child's lifestyle and nutritional habits, symptoms they've experienced, and when they worsen or improve. They'll also ask about medical histories, such as whether or not your child has asthma or high blood pressure. If your child suffers from mild allergies, our pediatrician may recommend over-the-counter nasal medications, sinus rinses, or allergy shots in severe cases.

If you suspect your child has allergies, consult Decatur Pediatric Group, which can perform allergy testing in Lithonia, Clarkston, and Smyrna, GA, to confirm and identify triggers. We use skin prick and blood tests to diagnose allergies at our four convenient locations. Call (404) 296-7133 for more information about allergy testing or to make an appointment with one of our providers.