Allergy questions/shots - Allergies Message Board

Sucha · 07-29-2004, 09:59 PM

My daugther has asthma, and some allergies, although she hasn't been tested officially. Lately her allergies seem to have gotten worse, and she is so stuffy at night that she has trouble getting to sleep at night. I am going to be calling her Dr. tomorrow to see what she recommends. I'm just curious though as to what type of testing you go through (she's 11 yrs old) for allergy testing? How do they test you? Also, if she would have to get shots (the zyrtec she is taking now seems to be doing no good), how does that work? how often do they give the allergy shots? Where are they given (arms??) how well do they work?
Any info would be appreciated!
Thanks
Carol

Newsboys90 · 07-30-2004, 12:40 AM

I got that needle test done, where they poke you with needles in your back. I was so terrified it would hurt because I'm dead afraid of needles, but I wasn't afraid of it at all, it tickled more than anything. I've never had allergy shots before so I don't know what those are like, usually I take Suphedrine, which is the off brand of Sudafed, and it works really well.

Hope this helps!

Traci

reader1 · 07-30-2004, 03:35 PM

There are two types of allergy tests. Skin test and blood tests. You could sit up all night arguing which is better to no avail. My doctor uses both.

The skin tests - something resembling a toothpick is dipped in the allergen and then poked into your back. I've had this testing done 8 different types since I was three years old - 33 years ago. It can be traumatic for a very young child (like 6 or under) but it's not so bad after that. You get the results within 20-30 minutes.

The blood test is just a regular lab test.

Allergy shots - they start you on very low doses. They usually combine like allergens together. Most people get one or two shots, depending on how many things they are allergic to. You increase the dosage very slowly, going twice a week for about six months, and then going every two weeks or so. Frequency depends on the lab the doctor contracts with to make the serum for the shots as much as anything else.

I suspect your daughter's doctor will recommend that you add flonase or nasonex to her zyrtec and possibly add some decongestent to make her more comfortable. The doc may do that in conjunction with scheduling your daughter for testing or may wait to see if that helps her before deciding on whether or not testing is necessary.

Good luck.

craftlady · 07-31-2004, 05:16 AM

If the doc recomends shots go for it. I had shots for 4 years and they worked.(18 diff. agllergens) Granted its a pain in the arm but the end results are great. Im still mildly allergic to dust but its nothing I cant handle anymore, its soooooooo nice not be sick with sinus stuff.

artbuggy3 · 07-31-2004, 12:21 PM

I had allergy skin testing about a month ago and it isn't bad. They used this catapiller looking thing with pokey things on the feet. That they diped in various allergens. (I hope that made sense!) It felt like a pin ***** when they put it on my forearm. I think they can put it on your back or thigh. If you are allergic/sensitive to the substance a mosquito bite looking bump will form. The bigger the bump the more sensitive you are to the substance. You have to wait about 20 min to make sure they get the full reaction. They will tell you what are allergic to immediately. I hope this helps somewhat! I have never had allergy shots so I can't help you there but good luck!