allergy tests?

[michiganpandas]

I don't think my daughter has any allergies, but was thinking it might not be a bad idea to have this checked out so that she is not exposed to anything that she is sensitive to....however, she is about 90% better so i'm not sure if it would be really worth putting her through the testing? any thoughts or opinions?

[beeskneesmommy]

My son has been tested and apparently there is something in the histamine response for PANDAS kids that creates some problems with the tests sometimes. He came up + for some things in blood tests, and - for the same things in scratch tests. He didn't react at all to the scratch control of histamine, which left the doc scratching his head in confusion. We were basically told that we should keep his room really clean, not let any pets in there and get an air purifier. He still plays with the dog, etc., but at night he has a "safe" place to go. Basically, he has had a stuffy nose most of his life. Nothing horrible, but it gets pretty bad sometimes and I suspect that whatever it is may be impeding his recovery. We are going to a specialist for PANDAS/allergies in CT in July, to see if there are any other answers. So, that all being said, you may not get any answers that make sense if you get your kiddo tested!

[mkur]

When DS became sick 1997, I had him tested. Children's hospital said he had allergies for mold and tree pollen - nothing major. It did not explain his chronic runny nose, spitting etc. I took him to an environmental doctor ($$$) and they said he was sensitive to nearly everything. I think his immune system went crazy which might explain his high titers.

[thereishope]

Testing for allergies wouldn't necessarily hurt, but if she is 90% better and you feel she will continue to reach 100%, I think you can wait if that's your preference.

 

Allergies can come on any time in life, so it's something to be aware of even if she doesn't seem to have any now.

Edited June 24, 2011 by Vickie

[kimballot]

I am wondering why you are suspecting allergies. Are there specific allergy symptoms, or are just trying to cover all bases?

 

By specific allergy symptoms, I mean things like stuffy nose, rashes, red ears and cheeks, sudden changes in behavior after eating foods, coughing, etc.

[michiganpandas]

my daughter is for sure pandas...(well, maybe lyme, too,..but, we have not looked into that more... yet)...just the standard test from regular doctor)....right now she is about 90% back to normal (not on any antibiotics...but, is on zoloft).....i just am so scared of her getting sick again and going back to how horrible it was in march thru may of this year.....so my thought was to make sure she is not exposed to anything that might be a bother to her.....she still complains of her stomach hurting after eating....mostly when she eats something junky...but, i think it's just her ocd thoughts that are scaring her....anyways, that's why i was tossing around the idea of allergy testing.......otherwise, no typical allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy eyes, etc.) so i probably just need to chill out on this issue! lol

[Ozimum]

Hi,

I take the view that knowledge is power. Our DAN! dr tested for food sensitivities and you could have knocked me over with a feather when we discovered DS17 was sensitive to milk. He'd never given me any sense of allergies or food sensitivities before this, but his gut just wasn't digesting it. Even he realises the gut healing diet (GF/CF etc) has helped him (along with the DAN protocols) - he's just so much healthier on it, and so are we! This last school term is the first autumn term that he's not had a heavy cold in about 5-6 years. And given we're all on the diet with him, we've not had colds either...what does that tell you...? I'm a believer!

Edited June 28, 2011 by Ozimum

[michiganpandas]

very interesting!....ok, now you have me thinking I will get her tested Glad to hear you found that out about the milk

[kimballot]

she still complains of her stomach hurting after eating....mostly when she eats something junky...otherwise, no typical allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy eyes, etc.) so i probably just need to chill out on this issue! lol

 

I asked because traditional allergy tests test for IgE reactions and really do not pick up food sensitivities. They are a little better with inhalants (molds, pollens, etc), but it is not uncommon for our kids to NOT test positive on traditional allergy tests and still have food sensitivities or environmental sensitivities when tested using provocation/neutralization techniques, which are a little more open to debate. P/N technique test for IgG responses, and are more subjective. We have done both and I think P/N testing can be helpful but needs to be done by someone who is very experienced in interpreting the results.

 

Try traditional allergy testing if it is covered by your insurance. Read the book "is this your child?" by Doris Rapp and it will explain the world of P/N testing, which is not accepted by most allergists and immunologists. Then consider testing by a DAN! doc or an environmental doctor for sensitivities.