What department should I visit to test for baby's allergens, and how is the testing done?

In general, parents can take their babies to departments such as pediatric respiratory medicine, dermatology, or otolaryngology at hospitals to identify allergens. Allergens can be detected through methods like elimination trials, skin prick tests, and venous blood testing. Specific details are as follows:

I. Departments for Examination

1. Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
If a child develops allergic cough or recurrent wheezing after exposure to allergens, they should visit the pediatric respiratory medicine department.

2. Dermatology
If contact with or ingestion of an allergen causes symptoms such as itching or rashes, the child should be evaluated in the dermatology department.

3. Otolaryngology (ENT)
When symptoms such as nasal itching, continuous sneezing, or profuse watery nasal discharge occur and are suspected to be caused by allergic rhinitis, the child should visit the otolaryngology department.

II. Testing Methods

1. Elimination Trial (Patch Test)
Suspected allergens can be applied in a patch test; the presence and degree of skin redness or swelling are observed to determine which substance causes an allergic reaction.

2. Skin Prick Test
Specific allergens are introduced via a skin prick on the arm. Results are compared with a standard histamine control to confirm sensitivity to a particular substance and assess the severity of the allergy.

3. Venous Blood Testing
This test measures the level of IgE antibodies in the blood to identify specific allergens and evaluate the extent of the allergic response.

In addition, patients may also visit an allergy (immunology) department where allergens can be tested using handheld allergen detection devices.