Understanding Childhood Allergies: A Pediatrician's Guide

As a parent, it can be scary when your child experiences an allergy, especially if their reaction is severe. We're proud to provide allergy treatment at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics in Rancho Mirage, CA. Here, we'll take a look at what causes childhood allergies, what you can expect from your child's allergies as they grow older, and what you need to know about handling allergic reactions in children.

What Causes Childhood Allergies?

Common childhood allergens include certain foods, certain food ingredients, dust, insects, pollen, and household pets. Sometimes, allergies are genetic, and a child may have an increased risk of an allergy if their family has a history of suffering from allergies. Other allergies may be related to growing up in a too-clean environment, making it difficult for their immune systems to differentiate between harmful and harmless substances. Exposure to environmental pollutants may also play a role in the development of allergies in children.

Will My Child Grow Out of Their Allergy?

Thankfully, many kids grow out of their allergies over time. Children who are allergic to dairy, eggs, and wheat tend to outgrow their allergies, while children who are allergic to nuts and seafood often do not. It's important to never assume that your child has grown out of an allergy to a food they've previously avoided, as allergic reactions can become more severe with each encounter with the allergen. Your child's doctor can provide you with guidance if you're interested in learning whether your child has outgrown their allergy.

Managing Allergic Reactions

An important note: if your child is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, it's essential to seek emergency medical treatment right away.

If your child has allergies, it's important to talk with your pediatrician about an allergy management plan. Your pediatrician may recommend simply avoiding the allergen when possible and treating any symptoms with over-the-counter medication, or they may recommend taking medication daily to prevent symptoms.

If your child's allergies are severe, your pediatrician may prescribe an epinephrine shot (commonly known as an Epi-Pen) to keep on hand in case of an emergency. Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to use the shot. You'll need to make sure an Epi-Pen is available to your child at all times, including when they're at school or when they're being cared for by others.

Reach Out To Rancho Mirage Pediatrics in Rancho Mirage, CA for Help with Allergies

It can be frustrating to see your child suffer from allergies and not be sure of what you can do to help. You don't have to figure this out alone. We're here for your family! Reach out to the Rancho Mirage Pediatrics team today at (760) 770-0000 to learn more about our practice and set up your child's first allergy appointment.