An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system reacts abnormally (also known as an allergic reaction) to a foreign substance or allergen. Allergens may include:

• Certain foods
• Contact allergens
• Dander
• Dust
• Insect bites or stings
• Medications
• Mold
• Pollen

Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and can include:

• Anaphylaxis (a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction)
• Asthma (chest tightness, wheezing and difficulty breathing)
• Eczema
• Edema, or swelling, after a bug bite or sting
• Itchy, irritated skin, rash or hives
• Red, itchy or watery eyes
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing or coughing
• Tingling of the mouth or swelling of lips, tongue, face or throat

Asthma is a condition that causes inflammation and swelling in the airways of the lungs and can cause extra mucus. This makes it difficult to breathe. Most people with asthma have triggers that can make their asthma worse. Common asthma triggers are:

• Allergens, like animal dander and pollen
• Cold or dry air
• Exercise or physical activity
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the tube that connects the throat and stomach (esophagus)
• Illness, such as a cold, flu or pneumonia
• Strong emotions or stress
• Strong odors or smoke

For some people, asthma is a minor health issue. For others, it can be a major issue that gets in the way of daily activities and may even cause life-threatening asthma attacks. Symptoms can vary and may include:

• Coughing, which can get worse at night or after exercise
• Shortness of breath or difficulty taking a deep breath
• Tightness or pain in the chest
• Wheezing, or a whistling sound while breathing

Our team of pediatric allergists and immunologists perform several tests to determine the type of allergy or asthma your child may have. These tests can also determine how severe your child’s asthma is.

Asthma and allergy tests may include:

• Skin prick or scratch test: We place small amounts of allergens (like animal dander, pollen, food, insect venoms or medicines) into the skin by lightly pricking or scratching the outer layer of skin. This lets us see which allergen(s) cause an allergic reaction.
• Intradermal test: A small amount of the allergen is injected under your child’s skin to confirm if they have an allergy.
• Ingestion challenge: We give your child a small amount of the allergen (food or medicine) in our office while closely monitoring them. This helps us safely determine if your child has outgrown the allergy.
• Patch testing: Our team puts allergens on a patch, then sticks it on your child’s arm or back. Patch testing takes longer than skin prick tests. They’ll wear the patch for up to 48 hours. This helps check for delayed allergic reactions.
• Blood marker tests: Your doctor may order a blood test to detect allergen sensitivity. Blood tests can also help diagnose food allergies.
• Spirometry: We use this test to diagnose asthma and other conditions that affect breathing. Spirometry checks how the lungs work by measuring inhalation and exhalation pressure. We sometimes also use it to monitor lung conditions.