When to Get Allergy Testing for Your Child (Or Yourself)

How to tell if it's time to do more than allergy meds

Each spring, as cold and flu season is winding down, I hear from parents wondering:  Why is my kid clearing his throat all of the time? Is this another cold, or is it allergies this time? Often, what follows next is: Does my child need allergy testing? For many families, it’s hard to tell if symptoms are just part of springtime or something more. Even adults ask the same thing: “Is this still a cold, or do I actually have seasonal allergies?”

If you’ve been dealing with a runny nose that won’t quit, itchy eyes, or non-stop sneezing, you’re not alone. The good news? Not everyone needs testing. But when it’s done at the right time and for the right reasons, allergy testing can help clarify what direction we need to take our treatment, and lead to better relief. Here’s how to know if it’s the right next step for your child or yourself.

1. Are the allergy symptoms lasting or getting worse?

The first thing we want to look for is there’s a reason to look deeper. Allergy testing for kids or adults is almost by definition more complicated or more invasive than our first steps for allergies. So if the symptoms last for weeks or months, or if over-the-counter treatments like Zyrtec, Claritin, or nasal sprays aren’t working, then those would be good reasons to dig deeper..

Seasonal allergies can easily be mistaken for repeated colds, especially in children. But if the same “cold” returns like clockwork each spring or fall, or if it’s always affecting sleep, mood, or focus, that’s a strong sign it’s worth it.

2. Are allergies making asthma or eczema harder to manage?

Allergies, asthma, and eczema often go together. If your child has seasonal asthma symptoms that worsen with pollen, or are causing you or your child’s asthma to be more difficult to control, allergy testing may help identify environmental triggers that are making it harder to stay in control. Similarly for eczema, it’s not uncommon for allergies to make break outs more frequent or more severe. 

Knowing which allergens to avoid or manage can help reduce the need for prescription medications and give us more confidence in how we treat flare-ups.

3. Do you know what’s triggering the symptoms?

If we are seeing frequent or severe allergy symptoms, or associated illnesses like asthma and eczema are becoming more difficult to control, then knowing the cause can be important. Sometimes it’s clear. I see one family that knows every spring, the alder trees in their neighborhood will release pollen, and the whole household will be on antihistamines for a month or two. Many families, however, are not as clear. Dust mites, pet dander, mold, grass, tree pollen... they can all cause overlapping symptoms like congestion, sneezing, itchy skin, or watery eyes. 

If you're not sure what’s causing the problem—or if your current avoidance steps aren’t working—allergy testing can help pinpoint the exact triggers, which may help when coming up with strategies to manage symptoms.

4. Is the current treatment actually working?

If you or your child have been doing all the right things—taking daily antihistamines, using nasal sprays, limiting outdoor time—and the allergies are still interfering with daily life, it may be time to reassess. Allergy testing might open the door to new options, including allergy shots or prescription medications.

The goal isn’t always to test—it’s to feel better. But testing can be an important tool when symptoms are stubborn or confusing.

Final thoughts: You don’t have to figure this out alone.

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to get tested—or how to tell the difference between allergies and a cold—I’m happy to help you sort it out. Whether it’s a quick conversation or a longer-term plan, you don’t have to navigate it on your own.

In fact, we’re doing a free community talk coming up where we break this down and talk about what allergy testing really tells you—and when it’s worth it. You’ll walk away with practical tips and a better sense of how to help your family feel better this season.

Live at the Bellevue Library & online 

Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30pm

DM me “Allergy” on Instagram or sign up here to join us!