Signs Your Child Has an Undiagnosed Allergy

Children are notorious for getting sick frequently, and as parents this is often hard to handle. However, there is a chance that you have mistaken your child’s undiagnosed allergy as a common cold or stomach virus. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of an undiagnosed allergy in children with help from your pediatrician at Prime Pediatrics in Gaithersburg, MD, Dr. Farnoush Jamali.Allergies

Symptoms of an Undiagnosed Allergy
Food Allergies: Food allergies can be related to sensitivity to casein, gluten, eggs, lactose, soy and other foods. Children with food allergies may have one or several symptoms, including:

  • chronic diarrhea
  • eczema
  • hyperactivity
  • chronic ear infections
  • very picky eaters
  • crankiness

Seasonal Allergies: Children may also have allergies to animals, pollen, grass or other outside elements. Symptoms of these allergies include:

  • itchy eyes
  • runny nose
  • sneezing
  • congestion
  • coughing
  • itchy throat

How can Dr. Jamali help?
The best way to determine allergies is with an allergy test. There are two main types of allergy tests:

  • Skin Test: Skin tests, which are also often referred to as a scratch test, involves your doctor placing small amounts of allergens onto the skin then pricking or scratching the outer layer of skin. This allows Dr. Jamali to measure the skin’s reaction to the allergen. If the area of an allergen becomes inflamed and irritated, the child is allergic to that allergen. Skin testing takes about 15 minutes.
  • Blood Test: A blood test looks for the number of antibodies, which fight allergens, in the blood. Unlike skin tests, the results take several days to return from the laboratory.

Allergy testing alongside a physical examination helps Dr. Jamali determine to what your child is allergic. After determining what causes the allergy, treatment may begin.

Pediatric Allergy Treatment in Gaithersburg
Allergy treatment varies from patient to patient. Preventing the symptoms of food allergies can be as simple as avoiding the foods altogether. Seasonal allergies are often treated with medications like antihistamines or allergy shots. Dr. Jamali can help you determine which treatment is best for your child and their allergies.

For more information on diagnosing and treating allergies in children, please contact Dr. Jamali at Prime Pediatrics in Gaithersburg, MD. Call (301) 977-2440 to schedule your child’s allergy test or examination today!

Main Location

845-B Quince Orchard Blvd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878