Pediatric Services Raleigh NC

TOPIC:

 

Environmental Allergies

 

What Causes It?

Common environmental allergens include dust mites, tree and grass pollen, animal dander & mold.

Is It Contagious?

No, environmental allergies are not contagious.

 

What Puts My Child At Risk of Getting it?

Exposure to allergens early in life can increase the chances of developing allergies.

 

What are the signs and symptoms?

Common pediatric environmental allergy signs & symptoms include itchy, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy or popping ears. Some children might have wheezing and asthma like symptoms due to allergies.

 
When Should I Seek Help?

If your child’s symptoms are not relieved using OTC allergy medications, call your pediatrician to ask for other treatment options.

 

What Will My Doctor Do?

See below

 

How is it Diagnosed?

Skin prick test or Blood test- an allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to something in the environment and that triggers production of antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The IgE antibodies are unique to each allergen so doing a skin test or blood test for the specific IgE can be helpful in identifying the allergen.

Common environmental allergens that can be tested using IgE levels are pollen, mold, animal dander, dust mites, cockroaches, latex, insect venom.

The best way to prevent or control allergy symptoms is to avoid the triggers.

 

What is the Treatment?

Antihistamines like Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec. Intra nasal steroids like Flonase, Nasonex, Rhinocort, Veramyst. Mast cell stabilizers like Singulair.

 

Prevention

The best way to prevent or control allergy symptoms is to avoid the triggers.

 

Food Allergies

With food allergies, the body makes antibodies to a particular food allergen and the next time the person comes in contact with that particular food- either eating, touching or inhaling it’s particles, the body releases chemicals that trigger reactions in the skin, respiratory system, GI tract or cardiovascular system.

Most children outgrow their food allergies by age 5 years except allergy to peanuts, tree nuts, fish & shellfish.

 

What Causes It?

Common food allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish & shellfish

 

Is It Contagious?

No, food allergies are not contagious

 

What Puts My Child At Risk of Getting it?

No consensus exists on how to prevent food allergies, but exclusive breast feeding in the first 4-6 months can decrease chances of developing food allergies.

 

What are the signs and symptoms?

The symptoms can include minor reactions like itchy, swollen eyes, hives, lip or tongue swelling or a serious reaction including throat swelling, abdominal pain and cramping, wheezing, lightheadedness or syncope.

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction with widespread effects that involve multiple organ systems. It can cause serious difficulty with breathing, a drop in BP, loss of consciousness and sometimes even death.

  

When Should I Seek Help?

Call your pediatrician if you think that your child might have a food allergy.

 

What Will My Doctor Do?

See below

 

How is it Diagnosed?

Skin and blood tests are available to help diagnose food allergies. If the test results are unclear, the allergist may need to do an oral food challenge in the office.

 

What is the Treatment?

Carefully reading food labels to avoid the allergenic food.

Minor reactions can be treated with oral antihistamines like Benadryl. A severe reaction or anaphylaxis needs treatment with Epinephrine. An Epipen should be kept on hand and caregivers should familiarize themselves with how to use an Epipen in case of an emergency.

A food allergy action plan should be in place for home and school.

 

Prevention

Exclusive breast feeding for the first 4-6months can decrease incidence of food allergies.

 

 

A professional should always be consulted when you believe your child has Environmental Allergies. At Durant Road Pediatrics’ convenient office located at 10880 Durant Road, Suite 215, Raleigh NC we take the extra time and effort to ensure the safety and comfort of your child.  Contact us today to have Dr. Arora diagnose, treat and explain your Child’s illness and how to prevent future occurrences.

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