Allergy testing for children

[LosingMySh1t]

Has anyone done any of these online allergy tests for their children? My 4 year old has the trots constantly.

I've tried tracking her food but can never find a trigger.

She's happy healthy with loads of energy but it does worry me. She's not bothered though.

I dont want to go down the GP route yet, just want to rule out anything obvious.

TIA

Allergy testing only identifies ige mediated allergies.

Getting the trots is most likely a non-ige symptom. The only way you can test for this is to exclude the food until symptoms clear up, and then 'challenge' by eating the suspected food again and see if symptoms return. If it is food I'd start going down the top 14 allergens, it'll take weeks to test each one so you're talking a few months to probably identify the culprit.

It's also worth noting that non-ige reactions take up to 72 hours after consumption so your food diary needs to take that into account i.e. you can eat the food on Monday and get the trots on Wednesday afternoon or even Thursday morning

I'd also speak to gp to rule out other causes.

The only scientifically valid allergy tests are skin prick tests or blood trsts for specific IgE levels (used to be called RAST tests). Everything else - hair analysis etc - is snake oil territory.
Unfortunately currently available tests only identify IgE mediated allergies and a lot of gastrointestinal reactions are meduated by other elements of the immune system so won't show up. Plus of course there are intolerances that aren't anything to do with the immune system and lots of other causes of diarrhoea. You really need to seek proper medical advice, and if your GP things necessary to be referred to an allergist and/or gastroenterologist. My DS used to be seen in a combined allergy/gastro clinic which was very good.
There are lots of companies who will take money off you for unvalidated "tests" that won't really get you nearer the answer and may lead to you unnecessarily restricting your DD's diet. I'd advise that you talk to your GP.

Thanks very much for the advice.

I'm finding it very hard to track and eliminate foods.
But I know that's the thing to do, I was just hoping for an easier solution.

Sorry, I wish there was an easy answer but it can be a long drawn out process znd waiting times for specialists can be long unfortunately. That's one of the reasons why I would advise you to see the GP sooner rather than later. If things resolve themselves whilst you're on a waiting list you can always let them know you don't need to be seen anymore, so best to get in the system as soon as you can.

Thanks for that. Helpful as always.

Don't waste your money on online allergy tests that promise to diagnose allergies from things like hair or stool samples, they're mumbo jumbo and a total waste of money.

PPs above are spot on.