Allergies in infants and young children are common and often mistaken for long-lasting cold. However, as many as a third of all children are diagnosed with either asthma, allergic rhinitis, or a food allergy. Children may also exhibit skin rashes as the result of an allergic reaction. Determining the specific allergen is critical to effectively treating these allergies. Doing so involves a physical exam, review of family history to allergies, and sensitivity testing. A correct allergy diagnosis will enable the doctor to select the best course of action - whether it be medication, allergy shots, avoidance tactics, or a modification of diet.

Allergy testing for adults involves first determining which allergens are triggering an allergic reaction. Identifying the culprit can be very helpful in treating ear, nose and throat symptoms. A skin test is typically appropriate for identifying inhaled allergens such as grass and tree pollens. They also serve to determine household triggers such as pet dander and house dust. In contrast, food allergies are often determined using a blood test and or skin test based on symptoms.

A scratch test checks for a skin reactions to common allergens like dust, mold, and specific foods. For people who are afraid of needles, particularly children, a new procedure using plastic lancets instead of needles can be used as effectively for determining allergies. The skin is not punctured with this test, but is not as accurate as intradermal testing.

Radioallergosorbent blood testing helps physicians determine the substances a person is allergic to. Unlike a skin allergy scratch test, RAST blood testing can be performed without the patient getting off antihistamine medication. Moreover, Both adults and children can take an RAST allergy blood test.

Intradermal allergy tests are very sensitive, it is used to perform testing for suspected allergen where other test were negative. Such testing requires injecting a small amount of the suspected allergen underneath the skin surface. A small hive with swelling and redness after 15-20 minutes confirms an allergic reactions. Intradermal tests are usually more consistent and accurate than skin prick tests. Very few physicians or medical offices actually performs this test, Due to the cost, but it is one of the most accurate test. At Ear Nose & Throat plastic Surgery Center, we perform this test daily on patients after they are screened.