Allergy Testing & Treatment for Children in Ottumwa, Iowa
Pediatric Allergy Care That Helps Kids Breathe Easier
If your child seems to have a constant runny nose, itchy eyes that won't quit, or a cough that flares up every spring, allergies might be the culprit. Childhood allergies are incredibly common, and they can range from mildly annoying to genuinely disruptive to your child's daily life. The tricky part is that allergy symptoms can look a lot like other conditions, which makes it easy to go months or even years without identifying the real cause. Allergy testing takes the guesswork out of it entirely.
At All Ages Pediatrics in Ottumwa, Iowa, Dr. Eric Dodson and our team provide comprehensive allergy care for children of all ages. Our on-staff allergy specialist, Lexi Watson, CCMA , brings dedicated expertise to every allergy appointment, from initial testing all the way through long-term treatment. Whether your child is dealing with seasonal allergies, food allergies, pet allergies, or something else entirely, we're here to help you figure out what's going on and find a plan that works.
Request an appointment at All Ages Pediatrics today!
Skin Prick Allergy Tests, Blood Allergy Testing & Allergy Shots for Kids
Allergy Testing & Treatment at All Ages Pediatrics
Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to a substance that's actually harmless to most people. These substances are called allergens, and they can include things like pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites, certain foods, and insect venom. When your child's immune system encounters an allergen it has decided is a threat, it releases chemicals that trigger the symptoms you've probably come to know all too well.
Common Allergy Symptoms in Children
Allergy symptoms vary depending on the type of allergen and how your child's body responds to it. Some of the most common signs that a child might be dealing with allergies include:
- Chronic or seasonal runny nose and sneezing
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Persistent cough or throat clearing
- Skin rashes or hives
- Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can be signs of a food allergy
- Wheezing or asthma-like symptoms triggered by certain environments
In rare but serious cases, an allergic reaction can cause anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening response that includes difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. If your child ever experiences signs of anaphylaxis, go to the nearest emergency room immediately or call 911.
Allergy Testing for Children
The only reliable way to know what your child is allergic to is through allergy testing. At All Ages Pediatrics, we offer two main types of allergy testing.
The skin prick allergy test is the most common approach and is done without needles. During this test, a small amount of a suspected allergen is introduced to the surface of your child's skin, usually on the forearm or back, through tiny pricks of a plastic applicator. If your child is allergic to that substance, the skin at the test site will become red and slightly raised within about 15 to 20 minutes, similar to a small mosquito bite. Skin prick testing is quick, reliable, and can test for multiple allergens at the same time.
For children who aren't good candidates for skin testing, or when additional information is needed, we can also run a blood allergy test. This involves drawing a small blood sample and checking it for immunoglobulin E antibodies to a specific antigen. The immune system produces IgE antibodies in response to allergens. Blood allergy testing takes a little longer to return results than skin testing, but it's a highly accurate alternative.
We test for a wide range of allergens, including food allergens, mold, environmental allergens like pollen and dust, animal dander, and more.
Allergy Treatment for Children
Once we know what your child is allergic to, we can put together a treatment plan that fits their specific needs. For many allergens, avoidance is the first line of defense, and we'll give you practical, specific guidance on how to minimize your child's exposure at home and school. For seasonal or environmental allergies, medication may be recommended to help keep symptoms manageable day to day. For animal allergies, specific ways to limit exposure in addition to specific foods for your pet or topical enzyme treatments for your pet may be recommended.
For children with more persistent or severe allergies, allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, are an option worth discussing. Allergy shots work by gradually exposing the immune system to small, increasing amounts of an allergen over time, with the goal of training the body to stop overreacting to it. This process can reduce symptom severity significantly and, in some cases, provide long-lasting relief even after the shots are completed. Allergy shots can be effective for environmental allergies, pet allergies, and insect allergies.
For children with a history of severe allergic reactions, we may also prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector, commonly known as an EpiPen, to keep on hand in case of emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child's symptoms are allergies or something else?
Allergy symptoms can look a lot like a cold, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, which makes them easy to miss or misattribute. A few signs that allergies might be involved include symptoms that happen at the same time every year, symptoms that flare up in certain environments or around certain animals, or symptoms that last much longer than a typical cold. The only way to know for certain is through allergy testing. If your child has been dealing with recurring or unexplained symptoms, it's worth bringing them in so we can take a closer look.
What is a skin prick allergy test, and does it hurt?
A skin prick allergy test involves placing tiny amounts of suspected allergens on your child's skin and gently pricking the surface so the substance can interact with the immune system just below the skin. If your child is allergic to something being tested, that spot will become slightly red and raised within about 15 to 20 minutes. The pricks themselves are very shallow and feel more like a light scratch than a needle. Most children tolerate the test well, and having results within the same visit makes it well worth any minor discomfort.
Are allergy shots safe for children?
Yes. Allergy shots have a long track record of safety and effectiveness in children and adults alike. They work by exposing the immune system to gradually increasing amounts of an allergen over time, which helps it build tolerance rather than continuing to overreact. Most children who complete a full course of immunotherapy see a significant reduction in their allergy symptoms, and some experience lasting relief even after the shots are discontinued. Your child's provider will determine whether allergy shots are a good fit based on the type of allergies they have and how well other treatments have worked.
How do I schedule an appointment for allergy shots near me?
Getting started with allergy care at All Ages Pediatrics is easy. You can call our Ottumwa office directly or request an appointment online. Whether your child needs allergy testing for the first time or you're looking for more effective management of symptoms they've been dealing with for a while, our team is ready to help. We look forward to seeing you!