Allergies

What are allergies?

Your immune system is made to fight off infections and disease to protect your health. However, some people’s immune systems react to typically benign substances known as allergens. When your immune system responds to an allergen, it releases histamines and other antibodies that trigger allergic symptoms. Some common allergens include:

• Food, such as peanuts, dairy, shellfish, eggs
• Dust
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Insect bites and stings
• Mold
• Latex
• Drugs, such as penicillin

Doctors and medical researchers don’t know precisely what causes allergies. However, factors like a family history of allergies or asthma are known to increase your risk. If you’re concerned about your child’s allergy, schedule an appointment at Northlake Children’s Associates for testing right away.

What are the typical signs of allergies?

Allergic symptoms manifest in a wide range of ways, including:

• Sneezing or a runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Coughing and wheezing
• A skin rash or hives
• Stomach cramps or nausea
• Vomiting
• Swelling
• Pain
• Feeling lightheaded

If your child has a severe allergic reaction, they may develop anaphylaxis. During anaphylaxis, you experience several allergic reactions at once in different parts of your body. The reaction is so severe that it can interfere with your breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate, and requires immediate, emergency medical attention.

How are allergies diagnosed?

If you think your child has an allergy, make an appointment with the pediatricians at Northlake Children’s Associates. They offer detailed discussions and comprehensive exams to confirm that you’re child’s symptoms are caused by an allergy and to see if a referral to an Allergy Specialist is warranted. There are 2 main types of allergy testing that can be done.

At Northlake Children’s Associates, they may offer blood allergy testing for appropriate patients, or they will refer to an Allergist for more detailed Skin Testing.

How are allergies treated?

The pediatricians at Northlake Children’s Associates offer customized treatment plans for children with allergies. Treatment plans usually combine medication and avoidance strategies. One of the most effective ways to dodge allergy symptoms is to avoid coming into contact with the substance. In cases where this isn’t possible, your doctor can prescribe medications to limit your allergic response.

Your doctor may recommend immunotherapy at an Allergist's office, which is sometimes called allergy shots. Immunotherapy introduces small, diluted amounts of your allergen into your system with frequent injections. Over time, your body develops an immunity to the allergen, and your symptoms subside and disappear.

Make an appointment by calling Northlake Children’s Associates or booking online today.