Allergies Specialist

What are allergies?

Allergies are your immune system’s reaction to allergens, which are substances your body is sensitive to. Your child might be allergic to:

• Mold spores
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Insect stings
• Some medicines
• Latex
• Certain foods
  
  

While the cause of allergies isn’t entirely clear, genetics and environmental factors appear to play roles.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

If your child experiences the following signs or symptoms, they might have allergies:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Skin itching
• Itchy eyes or nose
• Watery eyes
• Hives or a rash
• Skin swelling
  
  

Asthma can also be triggered by allergies. Allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and even life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause weak pulse, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, severe shortness of breath, or loss of consciousness.

How are allergies diagnosed?

Your pediatrician reviews your child’s medical history and symptoms and completes an exam. They can diagnose allergies using a simple blood test or a skin prick test. During skin prick tests, they gently scratch your child’s skin and add drops of potential allergens. Then they watch for signs of a reaction, such as redness and raised skin bumps at the site of exposure.

What is the treatment for allergies?

The allergy treatment that best matches your child’s needs depends on the type of allergy they have and its severity. Your Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics provider might recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Allergen avoidance

Helping your child avoid exposure to certain allergens is a good way to prevent negative allergic reactions. Avoidance is critical in the case of a food, latex, or medication allergy.

Immunotherapy

Your pediatrician might recommend immunotherapy through a series of allergy shots to desensitize your child’s body to certain allergens.

Medications

Allergy medicines are often effective for symptom relief. Your doctor might recommend prescription or over-the-counter oral medicines, eye drops, or nasal sprays to help alleviate allergy symptoms.

Your Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics specialist might prescribe emergency epinephrine injections for certain allergies, such as bee stings. This is an injection pen your child carries with them in case of a severe allergic reaction. Using the epinephrine helps reduce symptoms until they can get medical treatment.

Don’t let allergy symptoms hinder your child’s quality of life when treatment options are available at Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online today.