Pediatric Allergy

Pediatric Allergy

Pediatric allergy types occur when a child’s immune system reacts excessively to substances that are generally harmless to most people.

What is Pediatric Allergy?

Pediatric allergy types occur when a child’s immune system reacts excessively to substances that are generally harmless to most people. These substances are commonly known as allergens. These reactions can range from mild to severe and impact various parts of the body.

Identifying, managing, and treating pediatric allergies can enhance your child’s quality of life. If you think that your child might have allergies, you should consult with childrens allergy doctor.

Types of Pediatric Allergy  

Pediatric allergy types can be challenging for parents, as children can be affected by a wide range of allergens. Some of the most common allergies in children are food allergies, environmental allergies, pet allergies, insect sting allergies, mold allergies, dust mite allergies, eczema, drug allergies, etc.

It is important to find out what allergens affect your child. Common allergens that cause allergic reaction are shared below:

Common Allergens in Children

A pediatric allergy can be observed in your child if your child’s body reacts to certain conditions. For examples:

Foods

Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, or shellfish can be allergens. Food allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Pollen

Trees, grasses, and weeds release these tiny particles into the air to fertilize other plants. The pollen allergy type, often referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, can cause symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.

Dust Mites

These microscopic creatures thrive in household dust, feeding on dead skin cells. Dust mite allergies are common allergies that can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes, similar to pollen allergies.

Mold

Molds are fungi that grow in damp, humid environments, both indoors and outdoors. Mold allergies can trigger respiratory symptoms, including coughing and wheezing, as well as itchy, watery eyes.

Pet Dander

Pets can carry allergens in their fur, dander (skin flakes), saliva, and urine. Allergies to pets can cause respiratory symptoms, including sneezing, congestion, and wheezing, as well as skin reactions.

Insect Sting

Bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants can cause allergic reactions in some children. The allergic reaction can range from localized swelling and redness to severe anaphylactic reactions.

Medications

Some medications, such as penicillin or other antibiotics, can cause pediatric allergy with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. If you observe any symptoms, you should consult with your pediatric allergy doctor immediately.

How to Diagnose Pediatric Allergies

Pediatric allergy diagnosis is a process involving a combination of a health history review, a physical examination, and specific tests. The three pediatric allergy testing techniques are:

Skin Test

This test checks for immediate allergic reactions to multiple substances at once. A small amount of an allergen is placed on the skin, which is then pricked or scratched. After placing the allergens, pediatric allergies can be observed.

Blood Tests

This test is also known as the RAST (radioallergosorbent test), which measures the level of IgE antibodies to specific allergens in the blood. When skin tests cannot be performed, allergy pediatrics can perform blood tests.

Challenge Test

Under medical supervision by a pediatric allergy specialist, your child is exposed to a potential allergen either by ingestion or inhalation. This test determines the severity of the allergy and is only conducted when necessary due to its risk of triggering a severe reaction.

How to Treat Pediatric Allergy

Pediatric allergy is a serious and challenging issue that should be treated in order to enhance the life quality of your child. If you have your child treated, your life quality will also be enhanced. Primary treatment plans that your allergy immunology pediatric may perform are listed below:

Avoidance

The simplest but most effective strategy in the treatment of pediatric allergy is avoidance, which involves avoiding known allergens to prevent allergic reactions.

Medications

Symptoms like sneezing and itching can be relieved with antihistamines. In addition, inflammation and decongestants can be reduced with corticosteroids as pediatric allergy medications. However, you should note that you should not take any allergy medicine for kids unless your doctor recommends it.

Immunotherapy

It is a long-term treatment, also known as allergy shots. This treatment gradually reduces your child’s sensitivity to allergens. Your pediatric allergy doctor may recommend immunotherapy for severe allergies or those that cannot be controlled by medications.

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)

This treatment involves placing a tablet that contains a small amount of allergen under the tongue daily. SLIT is a needle-free option, and for some, it is the best allergy medicine for kids.

Nasal Sprays

Steroid nasal sprays can reduce inflammation in the nose, while saline nasal sprays can help clear allergens from the nasal passages.

Eye Drops

Antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops can relieve itchy, watery eyes associated with allergies.

Inhalers

Your pediatric allergy and asthma specialist may recommend inhalers that can effectively relieve the symptoms and control the condition.

Managing Pediatric Allergies at Home and School

Pediatric allergy types should be managed both at home and school. The whole process required a comprehensive approach that includes early intervention, clear communication with educational staff, and establishing an effective allergy management plan. Key steps involve ensuring the correct dosage of allergy medicine for kids, updating, and creating an emergency plan.

You should also inform the education staff at school about your child’s specific allergies and how to respond in case of an emergency. Lastly, you should inform your child how to handle the allergic reaction when no one is around.

Faq

How do you treat allergies in children?

A pediatric allergy treatment plan generally involves identifying and avoiding certain allergens using medications such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, inhalers, or immunotherapy. If you are looking for specialized care, you can check pediatric allergy and immunology departments in Turkey that offer advanced treatment programs that are equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

 
What is the most common allergy in children?

The most common pediatric allergy is allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, which affects a significant number of children worldwide. This allergy is triggered by airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and throat irritation.

 
What is childhood allergies?

Pediatric allergies are abnormal immune responses to substances that are usually harmless. Some of the allergy types are pollen, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods, and seasonal allergies. These reactions can range from mild, like sneezing and itchiness, to severe, potentially life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis, impacting a child's health and quality of life.

 

TREATMENTS