Allergies

Allergy related conditions are so common that they are among the leading chronic disease diagnoses in infants and children. One study has shown that 4 to 6 percent of children have food-related allergies and 15 to 25 percent have hay fever. This study also showed that 8 to 10 percent of children have asthma. Children collectively miss hundreds of thousands of school days each year due to allergies.

It can be stressful for you and your child to identify conditions that may be caused by allergies. The sooner you help your child, the quicker they can get back to enjoying childhood. Medical tests can be frightening for you both, but knowing what to expect the day of the testing will lessen your anxiety. The following facts will help you better understand allergy testing and how you can help your child mentally prepare for a doctor’s visit.

Discovering the reason why your child may need allergy testing

If you notice your child has a symptom that may be caused by an allergy, you should take them to a pediatrician for allergy testing. A doctor will use allergy testing to determine the type of allergy your child has and the treatment needed. Some examples of conditions where it may be helpful to test for allergies include asthma, irritated or inflamed nasal passages, and rashes on the skin.

If your child experiences cold-like symptoms for more than a week, and they happen at the same time every year, they may have allergies. Asthma caused by an allergen indoors may be indicated by coughing and wheezing, especially at night.

The basics of allergy testing

You will need to see an allergist if you suspect your child is suffering from allergies. If your child is found to have one or more allergies, the allergist will consider therapeutic interventions that are appropriate for their condition. These treatments may include medication, avoidance strategies, diet modifications, and allergy shots.

The allergy testing process includes an analysis of your child’s medical history, a family history of asthma or allergies, and a physical exam. The process also includes testing for specific allergens. If your child has an asthma diagnosis, allergy testing can help you understand what is causing the condition and how your child can avoid asthma triggers.

Common allergy testing methods

Immediate and delayed skin tests are useful for detecting many allergies, such as those related to food, penicillin, insect stings, and airborne particles. Intradermal and percutaneous skin tests are immediate tests that are given by scratching the surface of the skin and applying a diluted allergen. These allergy testing methods are considered safe and will provide accurate information. Percutaneous tests are not done on infants younger than six months old, but no other age restrictions apply.

After these tests are given, your child is observed for about 15 minutes for a reaction, which will likely occur as an itchy red bump. The larger the bump, the more intense the allergy.

The patch test is a delayed reaction test used to determine if your child has an allergy to fragrances, certain metals, or rubber. The patch is left on the skin for about 48 hours and needs to be kept dry. The allergist will check for reactions after this time period.

Elimination of diet and blood testing

An allergist may give you instructions for an elimination diet if you suspect that your child may be allergic to certain foods. Items often suspected of causing an allergic reaction include milk, eggs, soy, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish. It may be hard to keep these items out of your child’s diet for a week, but you will get more accurate results if you do. The allergist may give doses of suspected foods in an environment that is controlled to see what kind of reaction your child may have.

If you suspect your child has allergies, finding the right pediatrician with experience in allergy testing is important. The office of Dr. John Young in Amarillo, Texas is committed to making allergy testing as easy as possible for you and for your child. Call us today at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our services. You can also visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo.

Trying to determine the source of your child’s allergic reactions requires a series of tests. Allergy testing can cause some anxiety for parents and their children due to not understanding the process. Once you understand how allergy testing is done, you can help your child feel less nervous. Going to your appointment with knowledge of the process will make you and your child calm and help the appointment go smoothly. Read on to find out how to prepare your child for allergy testing, what to expect during the tests, and how to wait for the results.

Preparing for allergy testing

Skin allergy tests are performed to determine your child’s specific allergic reactions. Percutaneous and intradermal tests are used to introduce possible allergens. The percutaneous test will introduce diluted versions of allergens to the top layer of the skin by either a scratch or a tiny poke. The intradermal test uses a needle to inject the allergens.

About a week before your appointment for allergy testing, you should refrain from giving your child antihistamines. Make sure to discuss which alternatives you have for preventing allergic reactions during this time with your physician. You will also want to talk with your child about the allergy testing. Explain that the tests will help find out what is making them sick and determine how to fix the problem so they can get better.

What to expect during the tests

During the allergy testing, if one of the applied substances causes a reaction, the spot will become itchy and swell, much like a mosquito bite. The area will be measured and then a topical steroid or oral antihistamine will be given to calm the reaction. The doctor will then tell you how to avoid the substances that caused the reaction. Your pediatrician can advise you on how to change daily habits to avoid contact with allergens as well.

The results from the allergy testing are taken from the percutaneous testing. Your child may then need to have the intradermal allergy testing to further understand reactions to antibiotics or venom. If your child is allergic to insect venom, this test will help determine the type of insect they are allergic to. This form of testing involves a needle, so you may need to further coach your child on what to expect.

Waiting for the results of the allergy testing

After the allergy testing, it will take about fifteen minutes before an allergic reaction develops. While you wait for the results, you and your child can put together a puzzle or read a book to help pass the time. It is important to keep your child busy so they don’t become anxious. Allergy testing is rather quick, so it should not be to difficult to keep your child busy.

Allergy blood tests

Blood allergy testing can be performed with only one draw of blood. This test can identify a host of different allergens, including foods. Only having to stick your child once to draw the blood will make the appointment go much smoother.

At John M. Young M.D., Pediatrics, we understand how allergy testing can be stressful. Dr. John Young is committed to making allergy testing as easy as possible for you and for your child. Call our office at 806-354-0404 to schedule an appointment for allergy testing and find out how to solve your child’s allergic reactions. You can also Contact Us via email or visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our services.

Whether they are at home, outside playing, or attending school, bad seasonal allergies can disrupt your child’s entire day. As a parent, it is helpful to know about the causes of seasonal allergies so that you can prepare your family and treat allergies. Here is a guide to common allergy triggers and how you can help prevent them.

Spring seasonal allergies

Hay fever season may have you buying several boxes of tissues. Kids and adults alike are miserable with allergies that cause itchy eyes and sneezing. Spring is a difficult season for children in the United States who have an asthma condition (about five million) because of this. Pollen and airborne allergens cause about half of the asthmatic breathing problems. Once this allergy season is gone, your child’s sneezing and wheezing may dissipate.

Limit exposure to tree and grass pollen

Before ten in the morning and on windy days, you should keep your children inside if they suffer from allergies. These times are when pollen counts are at their highest. Turn on the air conditioning and keep all the windows in your house closed. Pollen sticks to shoes, skin, hair, and clothing, so have your children wash up and change clothes when they come inside. Avoid line-drying clothes and linens outside during this time so that they will not collect pollen.

Watch out for dust and mold by deep cleaning

You can get rid of dust and mold during your spring cleaning if you do it properly. Trap allergens with a damp cloth and make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter. It would be best to do your cleaning when your child is out of the house as well. This is especially true if you generate a lot of dust when you clean light fixtures and takedown window coverings.

Summer seasonal allergies

Air pollution is at its worst on humid and hot days, which can increase a child’s allergies. Watch your children carefully, particularly those with asthma because they can be sensitive to the smog. During the hours of 11 AM to 8 PM, the smog is at its most intense. Limit children’s time outside during these hours and watch the news to determine what allergen levels will be for the day.

Take care of your air conditioning

Proper maintenance is important to your air conditioning system efficiently reducing humidity and filtering outside allergens. Make sure to use a filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of ten or higher. Filters with that rating trap tiny particles of mold, pollen, and dust. Replace the filters every three months or when seasons change. If you have window units, clean them at least once a year and upgrade the filter to a MERV.

Fall seasonal allergies

Ragweed season begins at the same time that your child heads back to school. This pollen is the number one cause of allergies in the fall. Ragweed flowers and pollinates from the middle of August until October, which means for the first two months of school, allergies are high. Pollen levels in the air from this culprit are highest between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM.

Be careful around decorations and fall celebrations

Outings to the pumpkin patch or the apple orchard can be difficult for children with asthma and allergies. These are damp and earthy locations where mold spores thrive. Limit your child’s exposure to decorations like hay bales, straw, piles of leaves, and corn husks because they harbor mold. Have your child change clothes and wash off after an outdoor trip during the fall season.

Indoor swimming pools

Swimming is a great exercise for asthmatics because the humidity is good for their lungs. However, indoor swimming pools can cause asthma attacks due to chlorine accumulation in the air, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Outdoor pools are a safer option if your child has asthma.

Winter seasonal allergies

Although many types of pollen are no longer a threat in winter, chilly air may constrict your child’s airways if they have allergies or asthma. To avoid a cold air asthma attack, have your child wear a neck scarf over their mouth and nose to warm the air they breathe. The warm air can help to relieve asthma symptoms.

Avoid candles, incense, and potpourri

Technically, these are not allergens, but fragrances in some home decor products can trigger an allergic fit of sneezing or inflame the airways of an asthmatic child. Avoid buying incense, candles, potpourri, and air fresheners if your child may be allergic to their scents.

Allergy testing and treatment in Amarillo, Texas

Dr. John Young is a pediatrician in the Amarillo area. He and his team provide the best possible experience for you and your child. For help with your child’s seasonal allergies or asthma, give us a call at (806) 354-0404, ext. 3330. You can also Contact Us by email to learn more about our Services or visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter Street, Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas.

Many parents with children that suffer from eczema feel that an allergy test will provide them with some answers. The belief is that if they can find a cause for the flare-ups, they will be able to prevent them from occurring. However, pediatricians will tell you that not every child with eczema needs to go through allergy tests.

Eczema is often related to food allergies, as tests have shown over 35% of young children with moderate to severe cases also suffer from food allergies. Scientists have still not ruled whether it is the food causing eczema or if eczema is causing the food allergy.

The irritating itch your child suffers from with this skin condition will interrupt their sleep and cause redness and scaly rashes. Finding a cause for these symptoms can typically be done by visiting a pediatrician or dermatologist who can provide answers and relief for your child. The following are a few tips to help you decide if it is time for your child to receive allergy testing.

When to seek the advice of a pediatrician

There are a couple of signs you may notice with your child that should be referred to a pediatrician for advice. One of these signs is seeing a flare-up each time your child eats certain foods. Your pediatrician will be able to perform tests to see if your child has food allergies, so you will know which to remove from their diet.

If you have already consulted a pediatrician and are following a plan for your child’s skin condition, but see no improvements, check with the doctor again. Even if you see a slight improvement after following the plan, you should still speak with your pediatrician about further recovery. There may be alternatives to the plan or adjustments that can be made to receive better results.

Another symptom that should concern you is if your child is not showing any growth. Check with your pediatrician to see if the eczema is having an effect on the normal growth pattern your child should be experiencing.

When allergy testing is not necessary

One of the reasons allergy testing may not be necessary for your child is that removing only one thing from their diet won’t clear the condition. The best eczema treatment is to follow your child’s management plan. This plan should include finding the triggers, avoiding those triggers, using the medication as prescribed, taking baths, and applying moisturizers. Unfortunately, it has not been proven that receiving an allergy shot will help eczema.

When allergy testing should be conducted

If you are noticing flare-ups each time your child eats a particular food, this is a good time to have testing done to check for food allergies. If your child is under five and suffering moderate to severe symptoms of eczema, test them for milk, peanut, egg, soy, and wheat allergies. Other common allergens that may cause eczema flare-ups are dog or cat dander, dry climates, wool, dust mites, certain soaps, pollen, and mold. Allergy testing will show if your child has any reactions to these items.

Will allergy testing help with eczema?

Eczema often causes children to suffer allergic reactions to certain things they touch, eat, and breathe. Allergy testing will identify the items that are causing your child’s body to react. When you identify the allergens, you will be better able to remove or reduce your child’s encounters with them. It will not cure your child, but it can help make life a little more comfortable.

With allergy testing, you will be able to manage your child’s eczema. Pricking or blood tests can be used to test your child for skin, food, and environmental allergies. These tests allow the pediatrician to determine what your child is allergic to specifically, and give you advice on how to handle your child’s condition.

Get expert allergy testing and treatment for your child

If your child suffers from eczema or allergies, finding an experienced pediatrician is the best way to help. Dr. John M. Young is committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Contact Us by email or call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to schedule an appointment with us today. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our services, including allergy testing and treatment.

It is unusual for an infant to suffer from environmental allergies. However, your baby may experience traditional allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion and rashes. These symptoms are often caused by something other than an allergic reaction. Learning more about allergies and their causes helps you recognize the signs of allergies during infancy and as your child ages.

Understanding allergens

When your child comes down with a rash or stuffy nose, it is often difficult to find the cause. Are they dealing with an allergy, a cold, or something else entirely? Allergies are one of the most frequently reported medical conditions for children. Allergic reactions are the body’s overreaction to a substance that is ingested or present in the surrounding environment. The culprits of these reactions are called allergens. The cause of your child’s allergy is not always clear, but allergists have found that genes play a major role. If both parents have suffered from allergies, the child’s risk of developing allergies raises to about 70 percent.

When to watch for allergies

Infants may develop allergies to food as soon as the food is introduced, but environmental allergens are unlikely in the early stages of life. It takes about a year to develop sensitivities to environmental allergens. Since foods are the most likely cause of allergies for infants, watch for symptoms immediately after a new food is introduced. If you have breastfed your baby, you will likely see signs of food allergy after you start to introduce solid food, if allergies are present at all.

Common food allergies in infants

Young children commonly have with milk, egg, fish, nut, soy, or wheat allergies. If your infant is allergic to cow’s milk, this could show up as soon as you introduce formula. Nearly 80 percent of the formulas are milk-based. How will you know your child has a food allergy? Food allergies often result in skin rashes, wheezing, hives, congestion, and digestive issues. It is best to take your baby to a pediatrician as soon as you suspect infant allergies.

Allergy testing for infants

Rashes and nasal congestion in children are often caused by something other than an allergen, although these are common allergy symptoms. If your infant displays symptoms of allergies after introducing food, you should visit your pediatrician. The doctor will go over your child’s symptoms and ask about a family history of allergies, then conduct a physical exam. If your child is old enough, the pediatrician will test the skin. Both infants and young children may need to have their blood tested. Once the cause of the allergic reaction is found, your pediatrician can come up with a plan to avoid allergens and treat your infant’s symptoms.

Helping Healthy Children Grow Into Healthy Adults

If you suspect your child has allergies, finding the right pediatrician with experience in allergy testing and treatment is vital. The office of Dr. John Young in Amarillo, Texas is committed to making allergy testing as easy as possible for you and for your child. You can reach us at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email for more information about our Services.