The Importance of Allergy Tests

Sadly, many children and adults too suffer from severe allergies that can threaten their lives. In the United States, it’s estimated that somewhere between 500 to 1,000 people die each year owing to allergic reactions. Without lifesaving medications and efforts to avoid exposure, many more people would likely succumb to allergies. If you're worried about allergies and live around San Ramon & Pleasanton, CA, contact TRI-Valley Pediatrics. Our medical team is ready to help.

It's crucial for parents to keep a close eye out for allergies among their children, especially young children. If your child is suffering from allergic reactions, you can order an allergy test to attempt to pin down the exact factors causing the reaction.

Why Identifying Allergens is So Important

Something that causes an allergic reaction is called an allergen. Common allergens include shellfish, peanuts, latex, pet dander, wheat, sesame, and milk. However, practically anything can be an allergen.

With allergies, the body will aggressively respond to a substance, treating it as a threat. Peanuts can be part of a healthy diet, but someone who suffers from a peanut allergy will react to them. Their body will treat the peanuts basically as a foreign invaders and will respond aggressively. This can lead to swelling, including in the throat, which can then cause a person to suffocate.

By identifying allergens, you can learn what your child must avoid. Of course, it’s still wise to have EpiPens and other emergency treatments on hand in case of accidental exposure. If you don’t know what is causing a reaction, however, you often have to fly blind and the risk of exposure will be greatly increased. Worried about allergies and living around San Ramon & Pleasanton, CA? Visit TRI-Valley Pediatrics.

How an Allergy Test Works

There are several different types of allergy tests. Perhaps the most common test is a skin test. With this allergy test, a medical professional will place small amounts of various substances, such as pet dander and food extracts, on the skin. Then, the medical professional will watch for signs of a reaction. Typically, if a substance causes a reaction, it’ll produce a red bump that appears within a half hour or less.

Intradermal tests can also be performed. These are similar to skin tests, but the allergen is injected beneath the skin, which can lead to a more obvious reaction. Patches can also be used. With a patch test, small amounts of a substance are placed on a patch, which is then applied to the skin, potentially soliciting a reaction.

Additionally, allergy blood tests can also be performed. With these tests, blood samples are sent to a laboratory, where experts can look for the presence of Allergen-specific Antibodies (IgE).

Need assistance with allergies in San Ramon & Pleasanton, CA? Contact TRI-Valley Pediatrics at (925) 460-8444 (Pleasanton) or (925) 380-6230 (San Ramon).