Diagnosis and Treatment for Pediatric Allergies and Related Conditions
When your child is suffering from an allergy or related condition, such as asthma or an immune deficiency, it can cause missed school days and have an impact on your child’s overall quality of life. Children are susceptible to the same allergies and related conditions that affect adults, including:
| Asthma | Pet Allergies |
| Allergic Rashes | Hives |
| Anaphylaxis | Seasonal Allergies |
| Sinus Problems | Immune System Problems |
What causes pediatric allergies?
Pediatric allergy conditions are caused by the child’s immune system mistaking a specific substance (such as pollens and grasses, dust mites, pet dander or a certain food) as a threat. The immune system then develops a response to counter the allergen during a future exposure. This immune response causes allergy symptoms and creates an increased sensitivity to the allergen during future encounters. Typically, it takes multiple exposures to an allergen before a child develops allergies, but in some cases, an allergy may develop after a single exposure.
How do I know if my child has a pediatric allergy condition?
While children are not born with allergies, certain children are at greater risk for developing a pediatric allergy based on their family history. However, even if neither parent has allergies, a child may still develop an allergy, asthma or a related condition.
Depending on the type of pediatric allergy condition, symptoms can vary. Common allergic symptoms include:
- Itchy eyes, nose or throat
- Nasal congestion, sneezing or runny nose
- Recurrent chest congestion, wheezing or coughing
- Skin itching, swelling or hives
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, we can determine the cause and help your child find relief.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
At your first appointment, our pediatrician will take a full medical history and ask specific questions to help isolate the potential cause of your child’s allergy. The pediatrician may also recommend that your child undergo skin testing or another form of pediatric allergy testing.
How are pediatric allergy conditions treated?
If your child is allergic, your pediatrician will recommend a course of treatment that may include:
- Tips for how to avoid the specific allergen
- Nasal sprays
- Oral antihistamines or decongestants
- Eye drops
- Allergy shots
For children with asthma, your pediatrician will recommend one of two basic kinds of medications:
Long-term control medications: These can include inhaled steroids, leukotriene inhibitors, Anti-IgE injection therapy, or oral or intravenous corticosteroids.
Short-term medications: These can include short-acting bronchodilators or other relief medication.
Request an appointment now to find out how we can help manage your child’s allergies. Or call 623-931-5001 for more information.