Allergy evaluation can begin from infancy. Eczema and food allergy may present in the first months of life, and clinical assessment for these conditions is possible from very early on. Skin prick testing and specific IgE blood tests can be performed in young infants where clinically indicated. Allergic rhinitis and asthma are more commonly identified from around 2 to 3 years of age when breathing patterns can be more reliably assessed. If your child has recurrent skin rashes, persistent cough or wheeze, reactions to foods, or chronic nasal symptoms at any age, an allergy evaluation is worthwhile regardless of how young they are.
Written by Dr. Animesh Debbarma, MBBS, MD (Pediatrics), DAACI (Diploma in Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology), Consultant Paediatrician and Pediatric Allergy Specialist, chandigarh. Phone: 8415036816.
