Should You Consider Allergy Testing for Your Child's Persistent Symptoms?

Should further examinations be conducted?

Dr.
Lin: Continuing with that question! Every time we go to the doctor, everything seems fine, but we are always told that the throat is red! There has also been a persistent issue with nasal congestion and runny nose! (Sometimes it looks fine, but a large amount of mucus is suctioned out.) His activity level is still okay! Sometimes, if the nasal congestion lasts too long, he loses his appetite! Since he was over three months old, I have only been able to feed him sneakily while he sleeps! The doctors say it’s just a cold! I don’t know what to do.
Should I take him for an allergy test? Sincerely, a worried mother.

Wei Ma, 0~9 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/04/19

Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics

Dear Ms.
Wei,
Greetings from Dr.
Lin Wen-Hsien, Pediatrician at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health.

From your letter, it is evident that you are quite anxious.
In my opinion, there is no need to be overly stressed about caring for your baby; most babies can be considered healthy.
I encourage you to "take it easy." In the past, who didn't grow up with a runny nose? As adults, it seems that it hasn't affected them much.
In contrast, today's children are protected more thoroughly, yet the incidence of allergic diseases is significantly higher than in previous generations.

This means that as long as your baby is active, gaining weight, and showing signs of development, there is no need for excessive worry.
I recommend that you follow the vaccination schedule outlined in your health booklet and consult a pediatric specialist for regular health check-ups.
Discuss any concerns you may have with the physician, as what you are worried about may be considered normal from a pediatrician's perspective.
Wishing you good health and all the best from Tainan Hospital!

Reply Date: 2005/04/19

More Info

When it comes to persistent symptoms in children, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and throat redness, it is crucial to consider the possibility of allergies. Your child's symptoms, which seem to fluctuate and may not always present as severe, can indeed be indicative of allergic rhinitis or other allergic conditions.
Allergic rhinitis is a common condition in children, characterized by symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. These symptoms can often be mistaken for a common cold, especially since they can appear intermittently and may not always be accompanied by fever or significant malaise. However, unlike a cold, which is caused by a viral infection and typically resolves within a week or two, allergic rhinitis can persist as long as the child is exposed to the allergens that trigger their symptoms.

Given that your child has been experiencing these symptoms for an extended period, it would be wise to consider allergy testing. Allergy testing can help identify specific allergens that may be contributing to your child's symptoms, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or certain foods. There are two primary types of allergy tests: skin prick tests and blood tests. Skin prick tests involve placing small amounts of allergens on the skin and observing for reactions, while blood tests measure the immune system's response to specific allergens.

In your case, since the symptoms have been persistent and have affected your child's appetite and overall well-being, it is advisable to consult with a pediatric allergist. An allergist can provide a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed history of your child's symptoms, potential triggers, and any family history of allergies or asthma. They can also guide you on the most appropriate testing methods and subsequent management strategies.

In addition to allergy testing, it may be beneficial to keep a symptom diary. Documenting when symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers (such as exposure to pets, certain foods, or environmental changes) can provide valuable information to the healthcare provider. This information can help in diagnosing the condition and tailoring an effective treatment plan.

If allergies are confirmed, treatment options may include avoiding known allergens, using antihistamines to relieve symptoms, and considering nasal corticosteroids for more severe cases. In some instances, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended to help desensitize your child to specific allergens over time.

It's also important to note that while allergies can cause significant discomfort, they are manageable with the right approach. By seeking professional evaluation and guidance, you can help improve your child's quality of life and address their persistent symptoms effectively.

In conclusion, considering allergy testing for your child is a prudent step, especially given the ongoing nature of their symptoms. A thorough evaluation by a pediatric allergist can provide clarity and lead to an effective management plan, ensuring that your child can enjoy a better quality of life free from the burdens of untreated allergies.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Pediatric Allergies: Managing Night Cough and Future Risks

Hello, doctor. My child is currently 2 years and 9 months old. Recently, over the past week, he has been experiencing nighttime coughing. After visiting the clinic, it seems to be due to respiratory allergies. The clinic prescribed a cough syrup and a bronchodilator to be taken b...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
The diagnosis of respiratory allergies follows certain criteria, such as nighttime cough, wheezing, persistent cough, and a family history of allergies, among others. The onset of respiratory allergies is a gradual process resulting from long-term exposure, rather than an immedia...

Managing Allergic Rhinitis in Children: When to Stop Medication

Hello, my child is four years old and has been experiencing a continuous runny nose since November 2010. I have consulted several doctors, all of whom have diagnosed it as allergies. I have been consistently administering the prescribed medications, but there has been no improvem...

Dr. He Ciyuan reply Pediatrics
If there are allergies, allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches, dust, dog dander, pollen, and cat dander can be tested. Some larger hospitals can test for IgE (Immunoglobulin E) and perform MAST (Multi-Allergen Simultaneous Testing), which can check for 36 types of allergens. ...

Effective Strategies to Manage Children's Skin Issues and Allergies

I have allergic rhinitis, and my husband has very dry skin that even peels in the summer. As a result, our child has had rough skin since birth and often develops small eczema patches. When he was four months old, he had severe heat rash all over his body. At that time, the docto...

Dr. Ma Yiqun reply Pediatrics
1. Can allergen testing help prevent allergic reactions? Allergen testing can identify which substances a child is allergic to, allowing for the avoidance of those specific allergens and thereby reducing the occurrence of allergic reactions. 2. Will using ointments continuously ...

Managing Allergies and Attention Issues in Pediatric Patients

Hello Dr. Hong, I have a young child at home who has had an allergic constitution since birth. Every time we have a blood test, the total concentration of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is greater than 2000 KU/I. For the past two years, there has been no improvement. Last year, we took ...

Dr. Hong Shuokun reply Pediatrics
Hello Ah-Hui: Indeed, his allergy index for Immunoglobulin E is very high. Generally, desensitization therapy is suitable for allergic patients for whom medications are not very effective. Therefore, while undergoing desensitization therapy, it is also important to use medication...