Pediatric Allergy Testing
Pediatric ENT of Atlanta (PENTA) offers Pediatric Allergy Testing to address common allergies. A skin test, when combined with an examination, is the best approach to diagnose and treat allergies. This cost-effective test helps identify the symptoms, the triggers, and the best treatment.
What are allergies?
Allergies occur when a foreign substance or allergen comes in contact with the body. Allergens include pollen, insects, animals, dust, stress, medications, food, chemicals, or plants.
What are allergic symptoms?
The immune system reacts to allergens by triggering a symptom. Allergic reactions are unique and characterized from minor to severe, including life-threatening.
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sneezing
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running nose
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itching
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redness
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hives
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watering eyes
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headaches
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restlessness
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breathing difficulty
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stomach pain
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digestive changes
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vomiting
Understand the triggers.
Understanding what triggers the allergic reaction is important to treat the child. Testing includes 50 area airborne allergens and 20 non-inhalant foods. Tests include dust mites, pet hair, dander, trees, grass, weeds, pollen, molds, cockroach droppings, and foods.
How do you test for allergens?
A skin test is a painless way to test your child’s sensitivity to allergens. Plastic testing strips, placed on the back or arms, help identify an allergic response to each allergen.
How doctors treat allergies.
Sometimes, the best treatment for allergies is simple avoidance of a known allergen. In other cases, doctors may prescribe medications, sprays, or an over-the-counter (OTC) recommendation.
Will health insurance pay for allergy testing and treatment?
Most health insurance plans offer coverage for tests and medication. While every health insurance policy is unique, a small co-payment is customary. We are happy to verify benefits and provide an estimate of out-of-pocket costs in advance.
