Take the guesswork out of your child's allergies

As we enter the peak season of grass pollen and creep closer towards ragweed pollen in mid-summer, it’s safe to say “allergy season” isn’t letting up anytime soon. Therefore, allergy testing is very beneficial in pinpointing what your child’s specific allergies and triggers are. Based on the symptoms they experience, our board-certified pediatricians at Village Pediatrics in Plano, TX, will carefully access your child’s needs and provide them with the most suitable treatment as there are various allergy testing methods offered.

Often times a child or infant may display signs of allergies early on, so it’s recommended to learn as soon as you can what your child is allergic to in order to prevent a bad reaction that may result in a life-threatening exposure from particular medications, bites from insects, food allergies or environmental elements. Our trusted team of pediatricians in Plano, TX are happy to help your family identify the healthiest and safest route to combat your child’s allergies.

Allergy Testing

The test your child receives will depend on their health history and symptoms. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician to determine the best diagnostic and treatment option for your child. If your child is not experiencing an emergency, we can evaluate your child through a telehealth appointment, or through curbside care. Otherwise, we can always see your child in our office!

After you have had time to discuss the allergy symptoms and health history with your child’s pediatrician, you may have discussions on one of the following testing methods:

• Blood tests – Most commonly, your pediatrician may order a lab test in which blood is drawn from your child and sent to a lab for testing. This type of testing generally covers a variety of seafoods, dairy products, nuts, pets, environmental factors such and grasses and trees, and more. Additionally, if there is something more specific your child had an encounter with such as a particular food or insect, a test can be ordered for that as well.
• Elimination diets – While blood tests can give you very accurate results, they aren’t appropriate for diagnosing all allergies, specifically food allergies. This process of elimination diet allows you to have a clearer understanding of what particular foods could be causing the symptoms your child might be experiencing. If parents remove certain foods from their child’s regular diet such as wheat, eggs, soy, shellfish, tree nuts, and dairy, the pediatrician has a better opportunity to recognize the things that child’s body simply cannot tolerate.

Overtime when children grow, their bodies will continuously develop so there is a possibility of the need for further allergy testing in the future, which is why Village Pediatrics will take preventative measures in your child’s best interest.

Other things to consider

It’s not uncommon for a sinus infection to imitate allergy symptoms. Occasionally some children may be met with seasonal allergies in the form of coughing, congestion, a runny nose, fever, watery eyes or headache. Typically, a child who has allergies usually experiences this type of discomfort at peak times of the year when allergens are considered to have a stronger presence in the spring, summer or fall.

Far too often, allergies can get passed off as a sinus infection. To be sure, it’s best to reach out to your trusted pediatrician to determine if allergies are in fact the problem. You can help alleviate these symptoms with the suggested anti-allergy medications.

How we can help

Identifying what your child may be allergic to can significantly cut down on anxiety since you will learn exactly what triggers to stay away from and how to better prepare your child should a potential exposure occur in the future. By bringing your child for an in-office or telehealth appointment, you can have greater peace of mind of your child’s wellbeing. If you consider an allergy test to be helpful for your child, click here or text (469) 382-3796 today!