Childhood Allergies
It can be a frustrating challenge to determine what a child is allergic to except by closely monitoring the child and noting what the child did when the allergy symptoms developed.
Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston, TX, explains that allergies develop when the immune system malfunctions or overacts to particular foreign substances, releasing histamine into the body.
Foreign substances causing allergic reactions inhaled through the lungs can include an extensive endless list of substances such as:
- Foods/Beverages/Peanuts/Eggs/Milk/Milk Products
- Pets
- Medications
- Airborne substances
- Tree/Plant pollen
- Insect bites/stings
- Cigarette smoke/perfume/car exhaust
Symptoms can include:
- Mild to severe coughing
- Red eyes
- Sneezing-sore, scratchy throat
- Hives
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure
- Death.
Your child may have a cold. However, they may have an allergy if they only feel bad outside, around pets, or after eating certain foods. We can do testing for allergies, such as skin tests of the more common allergens, to determine what allergen your child reacts to.
We can do blood tests and order an elimination diet to determine what foods your child is allergic to. We can request an oral food challenge from an allergist.
We can order over-the-counter medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays. We can prescribe stronger allergy medications if these are ineffective in controlling allergy symptoms. Decongestants are helpful for stuffy, runny noses, as are asthma medications and immunotherapy like asthma shots.
Your child needs to avoid known allergens that cause symptoms. The best way to manage childhood seasonal allergies is to reduce exposure to the known allergen.
- Bathe/clothing change after being outside
- Shut windows during high pollen times
- Utilize air conditioning
- Avoid the moist outdoors/fresh-cut grass
- Wear a mask outside
- Wipe down pets after being outside
- Follow pollen counts
- Find indoor activities
Seasonal allergies affect your child during specific times of the year. Year-round allergies, like pet dander, dust, mold, and mildew, are present in the environment all year.
To learn more about childhood allergies, call Dr. Heena Thakkar, Dr. Shilpa Pankaj, and Nurse Practitioner Kayla Nevill at (713) 861-4800 at Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston, TX if your child is allergic. We want to help your child conquer allergies. However, we need to see your child as soon as possible if your child's allergies develop into wheezing, constant coughing, or shortness of breath.
When symptoms are severe and sometimes life-threatening, and if your child has breathing problems, please seek medical assistance at the nearest emergency room for immediate help.