Should Your Child Be Tested For Allergies?

Allergies are the result of the body's adverse reaction to certain substances. Foods, environmental contaminants, and even chemicals can serve as allergens for people throughout the world. While it might be easy to tell if you yourself are suffering with allergy symptoms, knowing if your child is being plagued by allergies can be more challenging.

Here are three symptoms that you can watch for when trying to determine if your child might need allergy testing in the future.

1. A chronic runny nose.

Children are notorious for having runny noses, so it can be challenging to determine when a runny nose is associated with a cold, and when a runny nose is indicative of allergies.

When your child's runny nose is related to a cold or other illness, the mucous will appear to be green or yellowish in color. This is a result of the body expelling bacteria or virus cells associated with the cold.

If your child's mucus appears clear and his or her nose runs continuously, this could be a sign that your child is experiencing an allergic reaction. Have your child tested to determine which substances are triggering his or her allergies if you spot a chronic runny nose.

2. Stomach problems after eating.

Many of the foods your child eats have the potential to trigger an allergic reaction. Food allergy responses can range in severity from a mild inconvenience to potentially deadly. Monitoring your child's responses to meals will help you determine if you should have your child tested for allergies by a medical professional.

If your child complains of stomach problems after eating, this could be indicative of an allergic response. Stomach aches, bloating, and gas can all be symptoms of a food allergy. Having your child tested for food allergies when mild stomach problems occur after eating will help you identify any foods that could cause a more serious and deadly allergic response in the future.

3. Unexplained rashes.

Carefully examining your child's skin can be a helpful tool when it comes to determining if your child may be suffering from allergies. Exposure to certain allergens can trigger irritation on the skin.

This irritation usually appears in the form of red and blotchy areas, itchy rashes, and even hives. If you notice unexplained rashes developing on your child's skin, having him or her tested for allergies could provide you with a cause and help you treat the allergies directly to alleviate skin discomfort.

Knowing when to have your child tested for allergies can be challenging. By watching for a chronic runny nose, stomach problems after eating, and unexplained rashes, you will be able to spot potential allergy symptoms and have your child tested to identify allergies that will need to be treated in the future.