An oral food challenge test is a supervised procedure where your child eats small, gradually increasing amounts of a suspected allergen to confirm or rule out a food allergy. Considered the gold standard in food allergy diagnosis, this testing method helps Atlanta families and allergists make evidence-based decisions about care. For those managing severe allergies, the test can provide clear answers about which foods are safe.
Why an Oral Food Challenge Can Help Your Child
While you might suspect your child is allergic to one or more foods, you’ll need a professional diagnosis to be certain. Here are some of the main benefits of an oral challenge allergy test for your child.
Provides an Accurate Food Allergy Diagnosis
For children, skin prick testing and blood testing are the most common ways used to confirm a food allergy diagnosis. When results from these tests aren’t definitive, an oral food challenge can provide clearer answers. Other tests are valuable tools that measure sensitization, but an oral food challenge tests how the child’s body responds to actual food ingestion in real-world conditions.
Avoids Unnecessary Food Restrictions
Removing foods from a child’s diet can potentially limit meal choices and take away valuable nutrients. In some cases a dietary adjustment is necessary, but if the foods are not actually causing the allergic reactions, then it won’t be required. An oral challenge allergy test evaluates how a child responds to eating eggs, milk, wheat and other major food groups.
Performed Under Medical Supervision
Oral food challenges are performed in a controlled environment with trained allergy specialists. Small doses of the suspected food are given to the child being tested, while they are closely monitored for signs of a reaction. In the rare case where a child might experience a severe response, emergency attention and medication is right there. Parents can prepare a child for food allergy testing by explaining the process in an age-appropriate way.
Track Whether Allergies Have Been Outgrown
While it’s true that some children will outgrow a food allergy during their developmental years, for a young child with a milk or egg allergy, it may be necessary to replace the problem food with an alternative ingredient. However, as a child’s immune system matures, they may be able to tolerate the food without an issue. Using periodic oral food challenges can identify if the allergy has resolved naturally.
Supports a Treatment Plan for Your Child
Oral food challenge tests can provide the accurate data needed to support a comprehensive food allergy treatment plan. Your allergist may find that your child’s allergy will be best managed with strict avoidance and carrying emergency epinephrine medication, along with oral immunotherapy and a gradual reintroduction of the food or to desensitize the immune system.
Contact Us for Oral Challenge Allergy Testing in Atlanta
Allergies are a common cause of discomfort for children. If your child has signs of an allergy after eating, visit one of our Atlanta-area centers for oral food challenges and other approaches to testing. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
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