Did you know there are many kinds of allergy tests? That is because there are several systems in the body (that we know of so far) that can mediate allergies. The CDC reports that allergy related pediatric out patient visits have dramatically increased. Children with food allergies are more likely to have allergy related conditions such as asthma and eczema. There are many reasons allergies are increasing. We are exposed to an ever increasing number of chemicals, heavy metals, processed, devitalized food as well as food additives. With the advent of genetically modified food, you may eat a tomato that has a fish gene hidden in it, making it impossible to track what caused the reaction. The most common type of allergy testing is IgE testing. The dreaded peanut allergy is an IgE type of allergy. If your child has had skin testing or RAST testing but still suffers from allergy symptoms you can consider IgG allergy testing or several other newer types of tests. We use a comprehensive approach to allergies in our office by modifying diets as needed, natural medicines and osteopathic manipulation. NAET, an allergy elimination technique, can also be helpful. By tuning up the body with gentle osteopathic manipulation, the body’s natural immune system is enhanced. By avoiding the biggest triggers to allergies, the body no longer has to be on “high alert” all the time so when an allergen is encountered, the reaction is lessened. Common signs of allergies are behavior changes with certain foods, “allergic shiners”, circles under the eyes, sneezing, runny nose, frequent illnesses, bloated belly, gas, and skin rashes.
