Pediatric Allergy Testing in Coral Gables and Palmetto Bay FL

If you don’t have seasonal hay fever, you likely know someone who does, and it is the most common allergy found in children. The medical term for hay fever is rhinitis, and symptoms include itchy, runny nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, and nasal congestion. Chronic ear problems, as well as watery, red, and itchy eyes, are also an indicator of allergies in children. Stuffy noses and chronic nasal congestion in children are most commonly caused by allergies. It’s not uncommon for a child’s nose to become so blocked that they have to breathe through their mouth, especially when sleeping, making getting a good night’s sleep next to impossible, and causing them to feel tired the next day.

It is very important to have congestion treated when it leads to mouth breathing because not doing so can have an effect on tooth and bone growth in the face. Treating allergies that cause congestion early in a child’s life may prevent additional problems from occurring.

There are many symptoms to look for that may indicate a possible allergic reaction which can include:

• Skin rash
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent cough
• Nasal congestion
• Upset stomach

As a parent, it hurts to see our children suffering from allergies, because we know how miserable it feels and we want nothing more than to help them feel better. If you see your child showing signs of allergies it’s best to make an appointment for them to be seen by a pediatrician or an allergist, who is a doctor who specializes in allergies. It’s also a great idea to keep a journal of symptoms and things your child may have been exposed to. This way the doctor can see if there is any pattern to their reaction and what may have caused it. At Piniella Asthma + Allergy, we provide allergy testing to kids when it is suspected that they are suffering from allergies. Contact us today to learn more or to book an appointment.

Technology has advanced to be able to provide almost painless techniques for allergy testing in children. Your pediatric allergist, Dr. Carlos Piniella, MD, will provide parents with a list of common allergies in children and provide suggestions on how to avoid exposure, as well as advice regarding allergy shots (immunotherapy). A pediatric allergist may do a virtually painless skin-prick-test, which places a small drop of an allergen on the edge of a needle that is then pricked into the skin. A reddish bump will form with a ring around it if your child has an allergic reaction to the substance.

There are also several blood tests for allergies that can be performed to measure antibodies against specific allergens in the blood. The advantage of a blood test is that several allergies can be tested for at the same time, and there is no risk of an allergic reaction. Test results usually are returned to the doctor in a few days.

Food allergies are becoming more and more common in young children, with the most common allergies being peanuts and milk. Other common allergies in children include:

• Eggs
• Fish
• Shellfish (crab, lobster, shrimp, etc.)
• Soy
• Tree nuts (pecans, cashews, walnuts)
• Wheat

Parents of children with food allergies should be aware of the possibility of anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life-threatening reaction that causes a swelling of the airways and a sudden drop in blood pressure. It can also possibly send the body into anaphylactic shock. It is, for this reason, most children with food allergies are prescribed epinephrine (adrenaline) which is administered with an auto-injector as soon as symptoms develop until emergency care can be administered.

We know you want nothing but the best healthcare for your child, and at Piniella Asthma + Allergy our highly skilled and friendly allergists are here to have all of your questions answered regarding childhood allergies. Call and speak with one of our knowledgeable staff, or visit our website to book your consultation. We serve patients from Coral Gables FL, Palmetto Bay FL, Westchester FL, Brownsville FL, Kendall FL, Pinecrest FL, Richmond West FL and Goulds FL.