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Pediatric Allergy Clinic

Allergies

Allergies (Hay Fever) are caused by the immune system reacting to substances (or allergens) that would typically not trigger a reaction.  Allergies result from environmental factors with genetic predisposition.  If one parent is allergic, the risk of allergies in a child is up to 40 percent.  If both parents are allergic, there is a 50 to 70 percent chance of a child developing allergies.

Symptoms Include:

  • Nose- Sneezing, runny nose, congestion, post nasal drip
  • Eyes- Redness, watery, itchy, irritated
  • Throat- Drainage, throat clearing, itching and hoarseness
  • Ears- Pressure, popping, itching, fullness

Triggers Include:

  • Grass pollen
  • Tree pollen
  • Weed pollen
  • Dust mites
  • Animal Dander

Testing

Allergy testing involves having a skin or blood test to find out what substance, or allergen, may trigger an allergic response in a person. Skin tests are usually done because they are rapid, reliable, and generally less expensive than blood tests, but either type of test may be used.

Skin prick test. This test is done by placing a drop of a solution containing a possible allergen on the skin, and a series of scratches or needle pricks allows the solution to enter the skin. If the skin develops a red, raised itchy area (called a wheal); it usually means that the person is allergic to that allergen. This is called a positive reaction.

Blood tests are helpful because they involve a single needle prick. Medicine does not interfere with the results. However, it takes a long time to get the results, and depending on the test, there can be false positives. There are many of types of allergy blood tests. Some types are more helpful than others.

Allergy skin tests aren’t painful. This type of testing uses needles (lancets) that barely penetrate the skin’s surface. You won’t bleed or feel more than mild, momentary discomfort.

Allergy testing for possible allergy symptoms like;

  • Itchy eyes, rash, sneezing, hives, runny nose,
  • Food allergy
  • Drug allergy
  • Pets allergy
  • Asthma & chronic cough and more

Medications can interfere with results

Before scheduling a skin test, bring your doctor a list of all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some medications can suppress allergic reactions, preventing the skin testing from giving accurate results. Other medications may increase your risk of developing a severe allergic reaction during a test.

Because medications clear out of your system at different rates, your doctor may ask that you stop taking certain medications for up to 10 days. Medications that can interfere with skin tests include:

  • Prescription antihistamines, such as levocetirizine and desloratadine.
  • Over-the-counter antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Reaction).

Treatment

Our allergist's goal is to help patients prevent symptoms by managing their allergies so they can lead healthy, normal lives.

  • Allergen avoidance: Our allergist will provide guidance on how to reduce exposures to your allergy triggers
  • Antihistamines: These medications can reduce sneezing, itching, runny nose and congestion.
  • There are also other type of anti-allergy medications that can be prescribed to help reduce allergy symptoms.
  • Nasal sprays:  There are several different types of nasal sprays that can reduce sneezing, runny nose, congestion, dripping and post nasal drip.
  • Sublingual tablets are available for a few allergens to reduce allergic sensitivity to that allergen.
  • Allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) is where small amounts of what you are allergic to are injected under the skin.

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