Allergies and Sinus in Plano, TX

When you only have symptomatic clues as to what your child is allergic to, you may want the peace of mind that allergy testing can bring.  Allergy testing is very useful in determining your child’s triggers and specific allergies. Depending on the symptoms, our trusted pediatricians at Village Pediatrics will recommend and order the proper allergy testing for your child, as there are several available methods. Infants and children can show early indicators of allergies, and it is best to find out as early as possible what your child is allergic to as it could be a life-threatening exposure, such as food allergies, insect bites, certain medications, and environmental factors. Our pediatricians in Plano, TX can help you determine the best and healthiest way to fight allergies for your kids.

There are three different allergy testing methods our office can provide your child with to ensure their safety from allergic reactions at home or at school. These options include:

• Skin tests: With a small scratch made in the skin, we will put a small sample of an allergen on the skin, which will test for food, animal, penicillin, and other allergies. This is also called a “scratch test.” There usually is a reaction very quickly when there is an allergy indication, and the area can become sensitive or discolored.
• Blood tests: Blood is drawn and sent to a lab for testing. Many allergies cannot be determined through this testing, especially food allergies. However, we do offer it as an option. For some children with severe reactions, skin tests are not an option.
• Elimination diets: Parents can use the process of elimination to figure out which foods are or are not causing the symptoms the child displays. By eliminating specific foods from the child’s diet like eggs, tree nuts, shellfish, dairy, wheat, and soy, you can help the pediatrician understand what your child will and will not tolerate.

As children get older and their bodies fully develop, additional allergy testing may be necessary. We want to keep your child safe with these preventative measures.

Sinus infections can often mimic allergy symptoms. Some children experience seasonal allergies with watery eyes, runny noses, coughing, sneezing, congestion, headache, and fever. Generally, children with allergies will experience this at certain times of the year (spring, summer, and fall) when there are high levels of allergens in the air. It is easy to confuse a sinus infection with allergies. Contact your pediatrician to help minimize the discomfort of your child, and find out if allergies are at play. You can eliminate some of the illness with anti-allergy medications as recommended by your child’s physician.

Finding out what your child may or may not be allergic to can give you peace of mind, and reduce the stress of worrying about possible exposures. When testing for exactly what triggers a dangerous and sometimes life-threatening situation, you will know precisely what to avoid and how to prepare your child (and teachers) for an exposure situation at home or in the classroom. We can help take the guesswork out of allergies. If you think your child would benefit from allergy testing, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.