Allergies Specialist

What are allergies?

Allergies occur when your child's immune system reacts to specific substances that may not bother other people. These reactions can range from mild to severe or life-threatening in some cases. Common allergens include:

• Foods
• Pollen
• Animal dander
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Insect stings
• Medications
• Latex

Treatment with Neighborhood Pediatrics can offer your child symptom relief. 

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Signs and symptoms that may indicate your child has allergies include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy or runny nose
• Congestion
• Watery or swollen eyes
• Mouth tingling
• Hives
• Rash
• Face or throat swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Skin swelling
• Coughing 
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Itchy skin
• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can cause severe shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, drops in blood pressure, a weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, or even death when left untreated.

What are the risk factors for allergies?

Anyone can develop allergies, but some factors may boost the risk of having them. Examples include a family history of allergies, asthma, or other allergic conditions. At the first sign of allergies in children, see the Neighborhood Pediatrics team for an evaluation.

How does my child’s doctor diagnose allergies?

To find out if your child has allergies, the doctor discusses their symptoms and medical history. They complete a physical examination, evaluate your child’s breathing, and may recommend specific diagnostic tests like skin prick testing, patch testing, or blood tests to make a final diagnosis and develop a treatment plan if needed. 

What are the treatments for allergies?

Recommended allergy treatments may include:

Allergen avoidance

Avoiding allergens can reduce symptoms linked with exposure. For example, your child might avoid foods causing allergic reactions.

Medications

Taking oral medicines or using eye drops, nasal sprays, or other types of allergy medicines can reduce unpleasant symptoms and provide relief for your child.

Allergy shots

Allergy shots can expose the body to small amounts of allergens in increasing doses to help your child develop a tolerance to allergens over time.

Emergency epinephrine

If your child has severe allergies, their provider offers emergency epinephrine to take in the case of a serious allergic reaction. It’s a shot they give themselves to reduce life-threatening symptoms until they can receive medical treatment. 

To learn more about allergies or get your child tested or treated for them, call the Neighborhood Pediatrics office or book an appointment online today.