It can sometimes be very difficult to detect whether or not your child has a serious allergy. According to test results, 1 in every 3 children have some form of allergy. The longer a child’s allergy symptoms go unchecked, the more likely they are to contract something dangerous. Having allergies can drastically affect your child’s ability to focus in school, play on the playground, or even live a healthy life.
That’s why it’s important to understand how to prepare your child for an allergy test. The earlier you can get your child into an allergy intervention appointment, the better chances they have at preventing serious allergies from developing as they grow older. At the office of Dr. Mayank Shukla, the top allergy and asthma doctor in New York, we can provide the proper tools and resources to give your child a thorough allergy test. It’s a quick, simple, and painless procedure that will help identify any allergies your child may have.
We know it can be a challenge to convince your child to visit the doctor, which is why we’ve put together a small list of the ways you can prepare your child for an allergy test. With some help, you’ll be able to make a necessary and important appointment for your child to give them the best chances at living a healthy and complication-free life.
What is an Allergy Test?
An allergy test is a harmless procedure that tests the skin for signs of allergic reactions to various common allergens. What the doctor will typically do is use a series of small scratches on the patient’s back, using a plastic toothpick-shaped tool. This is not painful, and the child will only feel a little bit of scratching on the back. Each individual toothpick contains a different allergen. After about 20 minutes, an allergic reaction may appear on one of the scratched areas. If an allergic reaction appears in the form of a bump or spot, this is an indication that the child has an allergy.
Dr. Shukla will then identify the source of the allergy and will possibly perform more testing to confirm the results. Then, he will provide instructions on how to take care of your child with this allergy, being sure to prevent any chance for an allergic reaction in the future.
How to Prepare for an Allergy Test
When it comes time to prepare your child for their allergy test appointment, there are several measures you can take to help them – and you – be best prepared for the procedure. Here are a couple of things you can do to help them stay calm and focused for the duration of the test:
- Stop antihistamine medication. If your child is taking any antihistamines, such as existing allergy meds, over-the-counter drugs, or cold medicines, they should be stopped at least 3 days before the allergy testing procedure. This is because this type of medication can complicate the allergy test results.
- Talk to your child to prepare them. Your child will have an easier time understanding what the procedure will be like if you explain it to them in person. Reassure them that the test is not painful, and that is an important test to make sure that they don’t have any bad allergies. You can even promise them a reward if they go along with the procedure!
- Bring a form of entertainment for your child. To keep your child sitting still and happy, you can bring a toy, book, or video game for them to play with while they wait. Their back might start to become itchy if an allergic reaction appears and giving them something to hold in their hands can distract them and keep them feeling good until the test is over.
Allergy and Asthma Doctor in New York
Allergy season is fast approaching, and this time of year, there are more allergens in the air than normal. This might cause an allergic reaction such as asthma in your child if they are unprepared for the symptoms. Getting an allergy test for your child as early as possible can truly help them recover from any allergy symptoms they might be feeling. If you want to set up an appointment with the best allergy and asthma doctor in New York, you can contact our friendly team online for a consultation. You can also give us a call at (917) 746-3431 to speak with a nurse immediately. We look forward to helping your child stay healthy and happy as soon as possible!
