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Alergy Testing for Children
Allergy testing can be done at any age. However, because allergy testing involves needles, the need for it should be carefully considered for each child, especially for very young children.
Respiratory allergies typically don't develop until after age 2. Also, respiratory allergies are difficult to diagnose in infants and toddlers because they can't describe their symptoms. In children older than age 2, allergy testing can confirm a diagnosis of hay fever (allergic rhinitis) as well as identify specific causes, such as pollen, pet dander or dust mites. Most allergy medications are for children older than age 6. But a few are available for younger children.
Food allergies may appear at any age. But they're much less common than hay fever. Only 1 percent of Americans have true food allergies. But children are 10 times more likely than adults to have food allergies. Children may outgrow certain food allergies, such as to milk, wheat and eggs. Food allergies are generally of greater concern than respiratory allergies because they can affect feeding and digestion. For this reason, a doctor may recommend allergy testing for a young child who has symptoms that suggest a food allergy. Allergy testing can confirm a diagnosis of food allergy and identify the problem foods so that the child can avoid these foods.
If your doctor suspects that your child has allergies, he or she may recommend an allergy test. It's the same test for children and adults, and it's usually carried out in your allergist's office.
Note: children's health
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