A child who sneezes or coughs a lot, frequently develops a rash or hives, or gets stomachaches, cramps, or nausea after eating certain foods may have allergies. With so many allergy treatments available in today’s market, it can be overwhelming and scary for care givers trying to figure out what may help their child. From environmental allergies to medication allergies to food-related allergies, it is important to thoroughly discuss these symptoms with your provider.

Early identification of childhood allergies will improve your child’s quality of life, reduce the number of missed school days, and help you avoid having to use sick time or vacation days to care for your child. If your son or daughter is struggling, schedule an appointment with one of our providers to create a plan to get them feeling better.  

Below is a list of services we offer: 

• Routine monitoring
• Allergy assessment and consultation
• Referral for outside allergy testing

Inhalant (Environmental) Allergies

Environmental allergies are allergic reactions to common airborne substances, such as:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Mold
• Animal Dander

The most effective treatment for allergies is the avoidance of whatever causes them. It is impossible to avoid all airborne allergens, but anyone who experiences an allergic reaction to the items listed above should do their best to limit their exposure and avoid certain situations where they know these allergens will be more prevalent.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are caused by the immune system’s abnormal response to a certain food. While some food allergies are mild, others can be life-threatening. Nut allergies lead to death more often than any other food allergen because tree nuts and peanuts can lead to anaphylaxis.

The foods that most often trigger allergic reactions include:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Fish
• Shrimp
• Lobster
• Crab
• Eggs
• Milk

For those with serious food allergies, carrying an EpiPen® may be necessary.

Skin Allergies

Skin is our largest organ and is critical in the defense of unwanted invaders trying to attack the body. Our skin is constantly faced with toxins that want to enter the body and make us sick. Because our hands, arms, neck, and face are generally more exposed than other parts of our body, they are the most common sites of allergic skin reactions, known as allergic contact dermatitis.

Symptoms of skin allergies include a rash, hives, swelling, itching, and cracking of the skin. Treatments include antihistamines, oral steroids, and topical creams or ointments.

Insect Venom Allergies

Insect venom allergies are caused by the immune system’s overreaction to insect venom in the instance of an ant bite, mosquito bite, wasp sting, or bee sting. Reactions to insect venom should be taken seriously and can be life-threatening.

If symptoms such as excessive swelling or shortness of breath occur after an insect bite, further testing can be done to confirm the allergy. Most importantly, if you fear you are having a serious allergic reaction to an insect bite, see a doctor immediately.

For help in diagnosing and treating your child’s allergies, give us a call us at 866-595-5113!