Allergies Specialist

What are allergies?

Allergies develop if the immune system reacts to certain substances that don’t bother many others. Allergies are common in children and can cause unpleasant symptoms when left untreated. Allergens, or things that can cause allergic reactions, include:

• Pet dander
• Bee venom
• Pollen
• Mold 
• Dust mites
• Certain foods
• Latex
• Some medicines

Allergy symptoms can be mild, moderate, severe, or sometimes even life-threatening. Have your child see the Astoria Pediatric PC experts at the first sign of a problem.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Your child may experience the following symptoms because of allergies:

• Runny, itchy, or stuffy nose
• Itchy, watery, swollen, or red eyes
• Sneezing
• Hives
• Rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Face, throat, tongue, or lip swelling 
• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that may be dangerous when left untreated. It can cause severe shortness of breath, a sudden drop in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, or even loss of consciousness. 

What are the risk factors for allergies?

The cause of allergies isn’t entirely clear, but common risk factors include family or personal history of asthma and family history of allergies. Being a child is another risk factor for experiencing allergic reactions.

How does my child’s provider diagnose allergies?

To find out if your child has allergies, an Astoria Pediatric PC specialist reviews their personal and family medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. They may complete lung-function tests to determine if your child has asthma and blood tests or skin-prick tests to identify potential allergens. 

They prick the skin to expose your child’s body to various allergens. A raised bump, or hive, indicates an allergic reaction.

How are allergies treated?

Common treatments for allergies in kids and teens include:

Allergy avoidance

Avoiding certain foods, medicines, latex, or other allergens can reduce your child’s risk of an allergic reaction. 

Emergency epinephrine

For some types of allergies, your child may need to carry emergency epinephrine shots to reduce symptoms of a severe allergic reaction until they receive medical attention.

Oral medicines

Oral medications help reduce certain types of allergic reactions, such as seasonal allergies to pollen or other airborne allergens.

Allergy shots

Allergy shots expose your child to small amounts of allergens over time to build up a tolerance and reduce unpleasant symptoms.

To have your child tested or treated for bothersome allergies, call the Astoria Pediatric PC office or use the online booking feature today.