Allergy testing results. Doc advice?

[momoftwo74]

Hi. My 4-year-old has had year round nasal allergies and sinus infections since last year. His physician referred him to an allergist who did tested him today (***** test). If the diluent control resulted in a 5 x 5 mm, how much larger would the other wheals for each allergen site have to be to be considered a definitely positive reaction? The nurse told me anything larger than the 5 x 5 mm is positive. (I thought it had to be at least 3 mm larger than the control, so I am confused). My son has some 6 x 6 mm (Hickory, and some weeds and grasses). He also has some 7x7 mm (grasses, mites, peanuts and wheat), 8 x 8 (molds) and 9 x 9 mm (dog, cat, soy). The largest was Birch tree at 4 x 11. ALot of weed, grass, tree reactions. Didnt know abput the peanuts, he wont eat peanut butter

So my question is, is my son allergic to all of the things that produced a wheal larger than 5 x 5 mm? His allergy sympoms are chronic and a sinus x-ray shows the he STILL has the issue of chronic sinus infection.

They want to give him allergy shots. I have heard mixed opinions about this, so I am unsure about it. I do know that I want my son to feel better.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.--MM

[bsmsl]

I don't think the cream is lidocaine, although they usually do mix some lidocaine in with the serum after they draw it out of the patient's vial.  You should talk to his dr about the cream.  I know that patients at my allergist's office that use it (some are adults) wear plastic wrap on their arm for the 30 before the shot.  I am sure that your dr will know about it.

I pray that the shots will work for you son,

[momoftwo74]

Thanks for the advice. I think we are going to try the allergy shots for my son. We figure that it cant hurt, and if it does not help after about a year or so, we can always stop. Is the cream that you are talking about available over the counter or would I have to ask the doctor for it (lidocaine?)