When Should You Have Your Child Tested for Allergies?

Any child can develop allergies at any age. The most common type of allergy in children is hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis. Other common allergens are food and indoor irritants, such as mold and dust.

If you suspect that your child may have allergies, it's important to consult with a health care professional. We know you don’t want to see your child suffer, so the sooner their allergies are identified, the sooner they can be treated. Furthermore, identifying the allergy they have can be vital to their safety if they have a food allergy.

At Stein Pediatrics in San Jose, CA, pediatrician Sima Stein, MD, can evaluate your child's symptoms and medical history to determine if allergy testing is necessary. Then, after testing, if she identifies an allergy, she can develop a personalized treatment plan.

Here, Dr. Stein explains common situations where she would recommend getting your child tested for allergies.

Persistent or recurring symptoms

If your child frequently experiences certain symptoms continually, it could be time to test for allergies. 

Symptoms to watch for include: 

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Skin rashes
• Hives
• Digestive issues (such as vomiting or diarrhea)

If your child has these symptoms for more than a couple of weeks, call our office right away. Based on your child's history and recurring symptoms, Dr. Stein can determine whether to test and which test to use.

Family history of allergies

Your child may have an increased risk of developing allergies if there is a family history of allergies, asthma, or other allergic conditions. Research shows that if one parent has allergies, your child also has a 50% chance of developing them. If both parents have allergies, your child's risk for allergies shoots up to 75%.

Severe or potentially life-threatening reactions

Suppose your child has experienced severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in the past, which can manifest as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. In that case, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention. An allergy test can help identify your child’s triggers and guide management and treatment strategies.

Unclear triggers

Sometimes it can be challenging to pinpoint the specific cause of your child's symptoms. Allergy testing can help identify potential allergens that may be responsible for their symptoms, providing valuable information for effective treatment and avoidance strategies.

Allergy testing is the first step to identifying allergens and triggers and developing an effective management strategy. If you suspect your child has allergies, call our office in San Jose, California, or make an appointment online today.