Allergy Testing in Children: What Parents Should Know

One of the most common health concerns that parents have for their children is allergies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in four American children is affected by mild to severe allergies, whether it is related to food, the environment, or general irritants. Get ahead of potential issues with child allergies by seeing Dr. Anthony DiGeorge and his team at Southwestern Pediatrics and Family Care in Maricopa, AZ, for testing.

What Causes Allergies in Children?

Allergies can be present in children from the time they are born and may be caused by genetics. In some cases, they develop later in childhood due to exposure to certain environmental elements such as living in an area that is high in pollution or in a house that has mold spores. The immune system has a more extreme response to the allergen than necessary, causing physical reactions to occur in the body. Those might include:

• Swelling (face and throat).
• Breathing problems.
• Skin rashes and itchiness.
• Nausea and digestive issues.
• Sneezing, coughing, or watery eyes.

What Parents Should Know About Child Allergies

Parents should know that though child allergies are a concern, they are manageable with intervention and guidance from your Maricopa, AZ, pediatrician. Treatment options include topical creams, a medication that can be taken by mouth, sprays, and inhalers. A preferred solution for some patients is immunotherapy, which is a way of training the child’s body to get used to exposure to the allergen so that there isn’t as much of a reaction in the future.

Importance of Allergy Testing for Children

Before your doctor can properly treat your child for allergies, you must first know the type of allergy. Allergy testing is available to identify what may be the cause. The doctor will prick or scratch the skin with small amounts of allergens to see if they cause reactions or order a blood test.

Schedule a Test Today

An allergy test performed by your family pediatrician is the simplest and most reliable way to determine what allergens might affect your child. Schedule an appointment to talk about child allergies with Dr. Anthony DiGeorge at Southwestern Pediatrics and Family Care in Maricopa, AZ, today by calling (520) 568-9500.