what tests can be done to determine a food allergy? my 7 yr old daughter has itchy skin, dermatitis , stomach aches w/ occasional constipation/gas, and more recently frequent headaches . we are going to the doctor shortly. we are trying to figure if this is behavioral vs allergy. (one of her friends died tragically last year but some of these behaviors started before then but were less frequent)
HiT hanks for query. There are several tests for food allergy. Recently at first allergic skin prick test is done to detect suspected allergen, and subsequently it is confirmed by specific serum IGE assay. Though according to recent studies both these tests are equally effective. But there is no role of estimation of total serum IGE level. Your babies symptoms are suggestive of allergy because itchy skin, dermatitis, eczema, headaches probably due to recurrent sinusitis are indicative of allergy. Therefore, consult an allergist and take his opinion and go for those tests under his guidance. Thank you.