Are you unsure whether your child’s reactions to certain foods could be an allergy? Professional food allergy testing offers a safe and reliable way to get answers. With an accurate diagnosis, your child can get the allergy care they need to prevent severe reactions. Let’s look at the early signs your child could benefit from testing at one of our Atlanta-area centers.
How to Know if Your Child Needs Food Allergy Testing
If your child has a suspected food allergy, your allergist will likely use skin prick or blood testing, medical history and evaluation of symptoms to diagnose the condition. Before testing, allergists will look for early signs to rule out a sensitivity (versus an allergy), or other health issue.
Rapid Onset Reactions After Eating
Allergic reactions will typically occur within a few minutes to a couple of hours after eating eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts and other common foods. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with responses potentially happening while your child is still eating or shortly afterwards. When looking for allergy symptoms, the speed of onset is a key factor to consider.
Symptom Patterns With the Same Foods
Parents may start to recognize a pattern where certain food groups trigger reactions. For example, your child may have a skin rash, itching, swelling, sneezing or wheezing after eating products containing eggs. When you notice a consistent pattern, keep a record of what they ate and how their body responded.
Digestive Problems After Meals
Stomach pains after eating could be mistaken for eating too much, or a mild stomach bug. But if these symptoms appear frequently after eating certain foods, it’s important to talk to an allergist. You can follow our tips for preparing your child for a food allergy test if you’re concerned.
Skin Complaints Linked to Food
Skin issues that appear shortly after eating are common signs of a food allergy in children. Such symptoms can include itching, hives, redness or worsening eczema. While it’s easy to overlook these symptoms when they’re mild, they need to be investigated by a professional allergist.
Symptoms Improve When a Suspected Allergen Is Avoided
When a suspected food allergen is avoided, parents may recognize that their child’s mood improves, and they don’t have any visible symptoms. For example, if a child seems to start feeling unwell only after eating ice cream and other dairy products, it’s something an allergist will need to explore. After testing and a diagnosis, your child can then receive comprehensive food allergy treatment to help manage exposure or desensitize the immune system.
Visit Us for Food Allergy Testing in the Atlanta Area
If your child has any signs of a food allergy, schedule a visit to one of our Atlanta-area allergy treatment centers. Our allergy specialists provide accurate food allergy testing and dependable treatments for children of all ages. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
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