Childhood allergies: Information for parents
Any child can develop allergies and the symptoms can include6:
- A skin rash or hives
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing (asthma)
- Sneezing, coughing, a runny nose or itchy eyes
- An upset stomach
It’s difficult to know if an allergen—such as dust, mold, furry animals, or certain foods—is triggering these allergic symptoms in your child.
The first step is to schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician and ask if blood-based allergen-specific IgE testing can help provide answers.
As a safe, fairly quick procedure with minimal risk, a blood test along with a medical exam and history of symptoms can give your child’s pediatrician more information to make a plan that might include:
- Controlling allergy symptoms
- Eliminating or reducing allergy triggers
- Prescribing medication
- Referring to a specialist for additional testing
Get the answers you need for your child’s health.