Allergies are a common health concern that can significantly impact your child’s quality of life. From sneezing and runny noses to severe reactions, understanding and managing allergies is essential for your child’s well-being.
At Pediatric Associates of Austin, we offer pediatric environmental allergy testing. Our expert team in Austin, Texas, is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for your child. Contact us today!
Symptoms & Conditions We Treat
What Parents have to say:
We were in for allergy testing and it was so easy to schedule (got an appt the next week). Emily was wonderful! She explained the procedure to my son so he knew what to expect. Afterwards, Emily reviewed results. The allergy testing was so quick (and painless). I’m planning to bring my other son in for the same testing soon. I highly recommend allergy testing at PAA!
– Theo S.
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance, known as an allergen, which is typically harmless. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods. When a child with allergies encounters these substances, their immune system may overreact, causing various symptoms that range from mild to severe.
Children with allergies can experience a wide range of symptoms that can interfere with their daily activities and overall health. These symptoms may include:
There are several allergy tests that can be performed, including:
At Pediatric Associates of Austin, we offer pediatric environmental allergy testing to help identify allergies to local tree pollens, grasses, molds, weeds, and common household triggers (dogs, cats, dust mites, feathers). The number of allergens applied is based on your child’s age.
Since the testing surface area (size of the back where allergens are applied) is less in younger children, we test 36 allergens for those 4-11 and 61 allergens for those 12 and up. Our chosen allergens are based on recommendations from local allergists at Austin Family Allergy and Asthma.
Skin tests take 30-45 minutes, depending on the clinical situation. Allergens are applied to your child’s back using a 10-pronged pain-controlled plastic device dipped into the allergen solution. The device is gently pressed into the skin of the back (it feels like getting touched with a pencil or a fingernail), and then the allergen sits on the skin for 15 minutes while we wait to see the reaction.
The skin test is evaluated after 15 minutes, and allergies are determined by the degree of allergic reaction at the test site. Often, the testing causes localized itching, which resolves gradually with cleaning the back, applying anti-itch cream, and taking an over-the-counter antihistamine if needed.
Preparing your child for allergy testing involves a few simple steps. Ensure they are not taking any antihistamines for at least a week before the test, as these medications can interfere with the results. Discuss your child’s medical history and current symptoms with our specialists to determine the most appropriate tests.
Results from allergy testing can help identify specific allergens that trigger your child’s symptoms. After the testing is complete, one of our Nurse Practitioners will discuss your results and treatment suggestions.
We will provide a copy of your results, a central Texas allergy chart, an after-care instruction sheet, and local allergist referral information (for those patients who desire allergy shots or immunotherapy allergy drops for treatment).
Treating your child’s allergy will depend on their symptoms, age, and general health. The severity of the allergies will also play a part in deciding what treatment to use. The following medications may be used to treat allergies:
There are also some preventative measures you can take to avoid exposure to allergens. For example, staying indoors when the pollen count is high or regularly cleaning pillows to remove dust.
An elimination diet can also be used to identify a specific food allergy. Our goal is to help your child manage their allergies effectively and improve their overall quality of life.
If your child shows persistent allergy symptoms, it’s essential to consult a pediatric allergy specialist. Symptoms such as chronic runny nose, trouble breathing, frequent skin rashes, or reactions to specific foods warrant a visit to an allergist. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and enhance your child’s comfort and health.
At Pediatric Associates of Austin, we are committed to providing family-centered care tailored to your child’s needs. Our team of specialists is here to help diagnose and treat your child’s allergies with the utmost care and professionalism.
Those who would like to schedule an allergy testing appointment can call our front desk. Our scheduler will email you an information sheet detailing the medications that must be avoided or stopped prior to allergy testing (Click here to preview this sheet). Because some allergy medications need to be stopped 7 days before testing, we may be unable to provide an appointment within the week of your call.
Schedule an appointment with our pediatric allergy specialist today to start your child’s journey to better health! We look forward to helping your child live a healthier, allergy-free life.
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