If you notice your child sneezing or coughing for no reason, then it could be the result of allergens. Sometimes, allergens can cause severe reactions. If you notice any of these symptoms, then visit our pediatric allergist in Portland, Oregon to have your child tested to determine if allergens are the cause.
When you arrive at the office, you’ll discuss the symptoms that your child has been experiencing and some of the things that your child has been eating or been around when the symptoms have occurred. The doctor will also talk about your family history to determine if there are other people who have similar symptoms or who have allergic reactions around certain stimuli. Some of the things that you want to alert the pediatric allergist in Portland, Oregon about are odd rashes or respiratory conditions similar to asthma.
Avoid giving your child any allergy medications that have been taken for about a week before your appointment. In the event that you’re concerned that your child is allergic to medications, then your child usually doesn’t need to stop taking them. However, monitor the symptoms that are experienced, if any, before the appointment with our pediatric allergist.
You should take a list of immunizations to the appointment as well as other treatments that have been performed in order to determine if your child is allergic to anything or if there have been tests related to other illnesses. Consider making a food diary about the things that your child eats during the day, making notes about the items that tend to trigger reactions. Since you’ll likely be at the Portland, Oregon office for an extended time, your child can have snacks. However, avoid items that have peanuts in them as they are often considered one of the most common allergens.
In most instances, you’ll be in the office for about two hours. You could be in the office longer depending on how many tests are performed. A skin test is usually performed to determine what allergens cause a reaction. The test is usually done on the arms or on the back. There is also a breathing test that can be performed to check your child’s lungs. If these tests don’t offer results, then blood work could be ordered. These tests can usually show the severity of the reaction as well as exactly what your child could be allergic to in order to start proper treatments and prevention methods.
Contact our pediatric allergist near Portland, Oregon for more information about how testing is performed and what you should look for before your appointment. Asthma Allergy Centre is conveniently located in Tigard, Beaverton, Newberg, and McMinnville. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
