My daughter is going in for allergy testing on the 3rd. She is 3 1/2 and I am very apprehensive about it. Can anyone share their experience taking a toddler/preschooler for the testing? I know they will do a scratch test but do they really use restraints? I am very uneasy about that. Also, should I give her tylenol beforehand? Thank you!
2007-12-27 09:19:11 · 6 answers · asked by ? 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Phew, I am relieved now that I am better informed about what to expect. I am glad that restrainsts are not routinely used, that seemed a bit archaic. I will not give any meds prior and I will note her food intake. Again, thank you.
2007-12-27 12:04:11 · update #1
Hi there!
I work in an allergy clinic for two years and did this testing routinely!
First, any tests that would be done on her skin would be minimal, probably just 5-10 tests. The doctor gets a full history first and based on the history, will order tests,. If you are concerned about food allergies, I would jot down her food intake for the past few days. Once the tests are ordered, the nurse performing the tests places tiny plastic sticks into different extracts. They are like oils that are made from the specific allergens. Then the nurse will use a skin marker to mark her back for the specific tests. The tests can be done on the back or the arm. The back is the best place because it keeps the children from scratching at the reactions. The test sticks are just like a little plastic tooth pick. They are used to gently break the top layer of skin allowing the extract to get just underneath the skin. It's actually painless but kids get scared because they don't know what's going on. I don't think there is any need for Tylenol and many doctors ask that you not give any medication prior to testing. Once the tests are placed, you will wait 20 minutes and at the end of 20 minutes, the nurse will put some Caladryl or Benadryl cream on the reactions after she measures the reactions. The reactions are measured in millimeters and given a rating of 0-4, 4 being the largest ( bigger than 6 mm, I think). The bigger the reaction, theoretically, the more allergic she is.
There is also blood testing that can be ordered. Since children are small, there isn't room to test for all the things they could be allergic to. RAST testing is used and is a simple blood test. It isn't as accurate as prick testing but is still helpful to the allergist.
I hope this helps! I know it's very scary, but it isn't as bad as you think! email with questions!!
2007-12-27 10:04:01 · answer #1 · answered by Pedsgurl 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't give her Tylenol or any other medication (other than a prescription) beforehand, otherwise it could interfere with the tests. They will do a scratch test and may want blood to be drawn. I had both done at 3, 6, and 12. They don't restrain her unless she goes wild, then they may restrain her to a papoose board (but it's unlikely). They will likely give her some anesthetic to ease the pain (even though it doesn't hurt that much).
2007-12-27 09:36:14 · answer #2 · answered by That Gay Guy for Da Ben Dan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recently took my 6 year old son and 2 year old daughter to the allergist on the 13th and no restraints were necessary. I held my daughter while they did it and they did one on her arms and another on her back. It hurt for a split second (I think it was more of being held down then anything) but she was fine after a while. You cannot give your daughter anything especially any anithistamines because it will ruin the test results. Just hold her and comfort her while she is being tested and afterwards. I sang to my little girl her favorite songs.
2007-12-27 10:59:57 · answer #3 · answered by helives75 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not give her anything before the test, it could skew the results!
Here is an informative website for you
http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/WELCOME/commonproblems/allergy_testing.html
I've never heard of restraints being used while testing. The test isn't that painful. Three of my five children have been tested for allergies.
Kids pick up on parental vibes, so you need to calm yourself down so she will be calm. It will be over before either of you know it and soon you will know what is making her ill.
2007-12-27 09:31:15 · answer #4 · answered by Butterfly Lover 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
my daughter was blood tested for allergies at 12 months. It was pretty scary for her having her blood drawn but it seemed the better choice considering her age.
2007-12-27 17:55:14 · answer #5 · answered by coolmommy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Visit http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org
2007-12-27 10:45:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋