3 Reasons to Get Your Child Tested for Food Allergies

Studies show that food allergies are frequently diagnosed in children. If you suspect that your child has a food allergy, he or she should be tested by a doctor as soon as possible. Testing is important because food allergies can be life-threatening. An allergy test will help determine exactly what foods your child needs to avoid and will help you to be more prepared for an emergency.

Food allergies often cause extreme discomfort and can also be life-threatening. They can be more dangerous than other types of allergies because a very small amount of the allergen can cause a fatal reaction.

Even the most careful parents can accidentally expose their children to the wrong food due to inadequately labeled packaging, cross contamination, or food residue on their hands. In severe cases, anaphylax is may occur within a few minutes or hours, causing respiratory or cardiovascular issues.

  When observing an allergic reaction in a child,

some parents believe they can quickly and correctly diagnose the harmful food that caused the reaction. However, at times, parents are mistaken and begin restricting a child's diet unnecessarily.

They may even re-expose the child to the dangerous food unknowingly. An allergist can properly diagnose the allergen and choose the best intervention to help prevent reactions. They use a number of methods to find the exact cause of the reaction and will be able to determine the best way to deal with it.

  Getting your child checked for food allergies will

also determine the most effective way to handle exposure to the allergen. For children with mild to moderate reactions, doctors usually suggest oral and topical steroids or antihistamines.

However, for severe reactions, like anaphylaxis, a doctor can prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector and instruct parents on how and when to use it. Additionally, a doctor can provide parents with a written food allergy emergency plan to inform them of what to do in case of a severe reaction. This plan can also be given to family members, caregivers and teachers so that all will understand how to properly care for your child in case of a severe food allergy reaction.

  Finding out your child has a food allergy can be

stressful, but the safest way to handle it is to have an allergy test done.

Food allergies can be life-threatening, but an allergist can properly diagnose the allergy and find effective ways to counteract it. To find more information about a pediatric allergy doctor in Apex, visit this site.