Understanding Allergies in Children: A Pediatrician's Perspective

Allergy symptoms are uncomfortable, especially in children. A child’s airways are smaller, making allergy symptoms more severe. Your pediatrician can help your child get relief from allergies. Dr. Arturo Quintanilla at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics, in Rancho Mirage, CA, provides comprehensive medical services for children, including allergy testing and allergy treatment.

What You Need To Know About Allergies in Children

Occasional coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose are normal, but if they happen more frequently, your child could have allergies. Consider these common signs and symptoms of allergies in children:

• Sneezing and coughing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• A runny nose and a sore throat
• A skin rash or itchy skin

Food allergies can cause different signs and symptoms, including:

• A stomach ache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you notice your child is experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, try to determine when your child suffers from these symptoms, which can help identify what your child is allergic to. Visit the pediatrician when you notice allergy symptoms.

Your pediatrician will recommend allergy testing to determine what substances, or allergens, your child is allergic to. When you and your child know the source of your child’s allergies, your child can try to avoid exposure to the substance.

Common substances, or allergens, your child might be allergic to include:

• Plant, grass, and tree pollens
• Mildew, mold, and spores
• Dust mites, pet hair, and pet dander

To control allergy symptoms, your pediatrician may recommend:

• Allergy shots
• Sublingual immunotherapy drops
• Prescription-strength antihistamine medications
• Prescription-strength decongestant medications
• Steroid nasal sprays and nasal lavage
• Inhalers and other breathing aids

In addition to allergy treatment, modifying your child’s home environment can help too. Remember to:

• Vacuum and dust frequently
• Install a HEPA filter in your child’s bedroom
• Use hypoallergenic sheets and pillowcases
• Keep pets off of furniture and out of your child’s bedroom

Want To Know More About Allergies in Children?

To find out more about the signs, symptoms, testing, and treatment of allergies, call Dr. Arturo Quintanilla at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics, in Rancho Mirage, CA. You can reach him in the office by calling (760) 770-0000, so call today.