Can anyone tell me about allergy testing

[LargeLatte]

I'm chasing a referal for allergy testing for ds1(4) and ds2(2) who both have respiratory problems. Both are getting noticeably worse over the last couple of month- both have had hospital treatment recently.

What is involved in allergy testing? How accurate is it? Was it helpful? etc etc....especially want to hear anything positive that is going to stop me going bald with stress and / or doubling my body weight through comfort eating.

Usually a skin-prick test and/or blood tests to measure immune system's responses to potential allergens. (my ds has had both 3 times).

How accurate?- well, in the case of milk and soya - not very - the results were that he is not allergic, but that didn't matter, as he had a very clear immediate response whenever he ate those things (came out in a rash within minutes). In the case of other allergens - absolutely spot on (e.g. egg - medium/high response in tests - rash and vomiting when he eats anything with egg in it).

Helpful? - extremely. I'm going to get ds2 tested as well.

Don't stress! It's really not that invasive at all. They are old enough to notice and probably be a little frightened, but it is definitely worth it. Try to get paediatric specialists - the people who tested ds at St. Thomas's made it all into a game (e.g. the magic dots game was the skin-prick test).

is it the same process for inhaled allergens?
And does inhaled allergens only cause respiratory problems and food allergies cause digestive problems or is it not that simple

I don't think it's that simple.

I can't remember, but I'm pretty sure that ds's last allergy tests (the blood tests) included grass pollen, cat fur etc.

skin prick tests can cover dust mite and pets. However respiratory problems can sometimes be a result of milk intolerance rather than allergy and the tests won't show that. Have you tried switiching them to either goats milk products or even tried a couple of weeks milk free? Unfortunately for intolerance it is only by removing and reintroducing food that you find out if it is an issue.

For inhaled allergens testing can show whether you need to be really paranoid about dust and/or mould or if you need to rehome pets.

had to leave earlier - children this age often get a lot of infections anyway so this may not be an allergy issue. Once they've run through all the bugs their friends have it tends to stop until they meet a new group of people. Why do you think it might be allergic or are you just desperate for any improvement?

Have you discussed with your gp a low daily does of antihistamine? If they improved on that you'd be pretty sure there was an allergic problem. Your gp could also do a blood test for general IgE levels - that could well be quicker than allergy testing and would show if it was necessary to go further. However taking blood from children this age is a bit traumatic.

respiratory problems can also be caused by reflux too. Latte,have you got asthma,eczema or hayfever in your family

ds1 has seen asthma clinic at hospital and they have referred for allergy testing. Nurse said he had classic crease across nose from rubbing it and allergic rings under eyes. He has started loratidine but no chance for improvement as instantly caught nasty virus. ds2 was at the appointment and nurse said he should the same signs and should get a GP referal to allergy clinic too. I'm just wondering whats involved and if its really beneficial.
Am also exploring alternatives because the chemicals they are both on are really affecting their mood and behaviour- I would never stop their reliver medication- just looking for ways to help them so it doesn't need to be used so often. Between them they are on 7 types right now!

it helped me identify what was affecting DS2 which was dust mites in his bed ,so i bought the really good mattress and pillow protectore and it has really helped.

He is also allergic to cat and rabbit fur and he wants to be a vet

might be worth trying a couple of weeks of goats milk. It helps some people and is not as bad as trying to be milk free.

alypaly - hopefully when he is older desensitisiation will be available. He might still be able to be a vet.