Allergies Specialist
-
- Tweet
Pediatric Associates of Austin
Pediatricians located in Austin, TX
If you have lived in Austin for very long, you are not a stranger to environmental seasonal allergies. Though we all love Austin, it is filled with all sorts of lovely allergens. PAA wants to help you determine the cause of your child’s allergies so that you have a plan to help your child enjoy the city we all love.
Allergies
What Happens During an Allergy Test?
At PAA we perform environmental allergy testing for 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 child 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 .
The test process takes 30-45 minutes, depending upon the clinical situation. Allergens are applied on the child’s back using a 10-pronged pain-controlled plastic device that has been dipped into the allergen solution. The device is gently pressed into the skin of the back (feels like a 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 reaction at the skin 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. 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).
How do I schedule an appointment for allergy testing?
For those who would like to schedule an appointment, 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 (to preview this sheet, click here). Because some allergy medications need to be stopped 7 days before testing, we may not be able to provide an appointment within the week of your call.
