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Performing allergy tests on young children is a very controversial subject. Often a Physician would rather suggest avoiding those foods that are known to cause allergens such as dairy, wheat, soy and nuts. Whether it is a priority to identify possible allergens will very much rely on a child’s symptoms. If a child normally develops a runny nose or slight eczema it could be sufficient to follow a elimination diet. If anaphylactic shock is a possibility it would be of the utmost importance to pin-point an allergy.
ELIMINATION DIET
This is one of the best ways of identifying allergens in a child’s diet before turning to invasive – and expensive – allergy tests. There are several ways to undertake such a diet. The basic principle is to begin the diet with a limited set of foods that are unlikely to cause a reaction. Over the period of a few weeks different, suspect foods are introduced – one at a time – to try and monitor their effect on the body. Though this can be a tedious process it is often worth the effort. This process can be complicated if a child goes to school and is tempted to have some of their friend’s food.
ALLERGY TEST
The following allergy tests are often suggested by Physicians.
1. PRICK TEST
A prick – or scratch test – is often used to identify reactions to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mite or animal dander.
It is considered to be more reliable than blood tests and also less-expensive. The results are immediately available.
Young children might find it difficult to sit through such a test. Though not painful, it is uncomfortable to sit very still while drops of liquid are placed on the arm and the skin is pricked or scratched with a sharp lancet. If a child has immune (allergic) response to an allergen, a “wheal-and-flare” reaction will form. This can be very itchy and uncomfortable.
2. INTRADERMAL INJECTION
A suspected allergen is injected under the skin and the patient closely monitored for a reaction. This test is not recommended for children as it is quite painful and brings the risk of sever anaphylactic shock.
3. BLOOD TESTS
These include the RAST test (radio-allergosorbent test.)
Blood is taken and sent to a Laboratory to test for possible allergies to food and inhalants. The body’s IgE (antibody) response to allergens are measured. Though this test is often used to try and determine allergies it has come under severe criticism of late. In 2007 a study by Johns Hopkins Children’s Center concluded that the RAST test often underestimate and overestimate the immune system’s response to allergens. Though a child can test positive to a substance it does not mean he will have symptoms. Even after outgrowing an allergy a child can still test positive to that allergen. It was also determined that a child could still be allergic to something even if the test results are negative.
4. ORAL FOOD CHALLENGE
This test is risky, especially for those with a possibility of anaphylactic shock. It is always carried out under close medical supervision and will conclusively show the presence of an allergy. Patients ingest suspected allergens and are closely monitored over a couple of hours for signs of an allergy. Medication like ant-histamines should not be taken for a long time before the test is performed. This test is expensive and very time-consuming. This test will normally be performed on children as a last resort.
5. NASAL SMEARS
Nasal smears can be taken to obtain mucus for IgE testing. This would also be considered controversial because of it’s close relation to the RAST test
INTOLERANCE TESTS
1. ELISA TEST
Also known as Enzyme-linked Immunosorbents Assay. This test is sometimes used to identify foods that cause IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome.) A lancet is used to prick the finger and the blood collected in a vial. The relation of IgG antibodies to food allergens are measured. The reliability of this test has also come under scrutiny. It was found that the same blood sample sent to three different Laboratories, yielded totally different results.
2. LACTOSE INTOLERANCE TEST
Under normal circumstances blood sugar levels should rise after ingesting lactose (found in dairy.) Should this not be the case it could be indicative of a lactose intolerance. Blood samples will be taken before and after ingesting lactose to measure blood sugar levels.
3. HYDROGEN BREATH TEST
After drinking a lactose-loaded beverage the patient’s breath is analyzed for different levels of hydrogen. Undigested lactose leads to a rise in hydrogen levels in the blood.
4. STOOL ACIDITY TEST
This test is often used in children and infants to help diagnose possible lactose intolerance. Undigested lactose leads to lactic acid, fatty acids and sometimes even glucose ending up in the stools of the child. This is considered to be a very reliable test.
OTHER TESTS
The B.E.S.T (Bio Energetic Stress Test) is a state of the art computerized system that works with the art of electro-acupuncture. This is a totally non-invasive procedure that can be performed with great ease on children. The technology was developed in Germany and is commonly used by medical practitioners in Germany and the USA. The system records the electro-magnetic field of of a patient while it is being matched with food or environmental allergens on the computer system. At the end of the session the patient receives a colour print-out of the results.
From a personal point of view I was extremely impressed with the accuracy of the system. I took my two girls, aged 5 and 9, for this test. Some of the allergens on the print-out came as a surprise and we kept to the diet restrictions. All their allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, phlegm, asthma and ear-infections are something of the past.
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