Allergies

It is difficult to watch your child suffer from wheezing, itching, or experiencing other symptoms associated with allergies. Reactions from an allergy can show up on your child’s skin in one of many different forms. These are some of the reactions you may see, so you can help your child deal with the symptoms better.

An allergic rash

A rash can develop on your child’s skin after they have touched an object or material they are sensitive to. The rash is known as allergic contact dermatitis. You may notice they are itching severely, their skin has become red, or there may be rough, scaly areas developing on the surface of their skin. This reaction may come from a plant called poison oak, sumac, or ivy and will cause intense itching. The reaction may have developed from the use of nickel products found in earrings, snaps, and buttons as well. Shoes often contain a chemical or dye that causes a reaction in some children, as well as some cosmetics. If you have used a new medication such as an antihistamine, antibiotic, or anesthetic, it may also result in allergic contact dermatitis.

Eczema

If your child has a known food allergy, asthma, or hay fever, it is common for them to develop eczema. This condition starts as a rash on the head or face and can spread to the torso and arms. You will notice red, dry, itchy skin that is easily irritated. When the skin on these areas is scratched, it will lead to more itching.

Other factors that will cause your child’s eczema to become worse are rough fabrics, sweating, dry air, some detergents and soap, and some foods. The foods which often trigger itching with eczema are wheat, soy, seafood, cow’s milk, eggs, and nuts.

Hives

Hives will appear on the skin as itchy red bumps resembling swelling. They will develop as patches. Symptoms can last up to a few minutes, hours, or in some cases a few days. Some of the common triggers that cause hives are latex, pet saliva or dander, viral infections, and certain antibiotics. Other triggers include insect bites, strawberries, seafood, wheat, soy, eggs, milk, peanuts, and nuts.

Some children develop hives without any known reason or trigger. When this occurs, your child may also develop a swelling known as angioedema. You will notice signs of this condition appearing around their soft skin areas such as the genitals, eyes, and mouth.

How to treat your child’s rash

The most important thing for you is to control your child’s itching and discomfort. You want their skin to stay moist and healthy, because dry skin makes itching worse.

• Keep their skin clean by using a fragrance and dye-free skin cleanser. When you use a harsh soap, it breaks down the barrier built up to protect their skin from irritants.
• If your child is an infant, keep their mouth dry from drool. Having spit lay on the surface of their skin becomes an irritation and will cause a rash. Babies and young children can’t do as much damage from scratching if their nails are cut short. They will still have the urge to scratch, but they won’t damage their skin as severely.
• After bathing your child, do not dry them vigorously with a towel. Either allow them to air dry or gently pat them dry and then follow up with a cream or ointment for dry skin. Lotions are not as good as they tend to be watery. Using an ointment stick or cream will provide many more benefits to your child’s skin.
• When dressing your child, use a cloth that is soft and won’t irritate the affected area. If the fabric is not soft, it will rub against the skin, causing your child’s urge to scratch to increase.

If these suggestions do not relieve your child’s discomfort, you will need to try medical treatments. You should also contact the pediatrician if you notice the rash turning bright red, if it becomes hot to the touch, or if the skin begins to get crusty.

Pediatric allergy testing and treatment in Amarillo, Texas

Call Dr. John Young at (806) 354-0404 in Amarillo, Texas if you have questions regarding your child’s health or would like to learn about our Services. Dr. John Young and his team work hard to provide you and your child with the best clinical experience possible. You can schedule an appointment to have your child tested for food allergies, skin allergies, and eczema. We are located at 1500 S Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo.

Even though it is never a convenient time for kids to get sick, it seems to be worse when they are not feeling well in the summer. Allergies are usually associated with springtime, and colds are linked with winter. However, both of them can happen to children at any time of the year. It is easy to get confused and mistake one for the other because the symptoms are similar. The following can help you know whether your child has a summer cold or summer allergies.

Kids and summer allergies

Weeds and grasses are the culprits that cause summer allergies. Specific weeds that cause problems are tumbleweed, sagebrush, pigweed, cockle weed, and ragweed. Examples of grasses that cause allergies include Bermuda grass, sweet vernal, orchard, red top, and blue grasses.

Allergies can be caused by indoor or outdoor triggers. Going from an indoor environment with allergens to an outdoor environment with different allergens can make symptoms even worse. The most common symptoms of allergies are itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose.

Kids and summer colds

Common colds are caused by a group of viruses that is different in the summer than it is in the winter. While colds are more common in the winter, they can still happen during the summer. Typically, a cold is something you should not be concerned about unless symptoms are accompanied by a high fever or they last longer than two weeks. Summer colds caused by viruses or bacteria often present headaches, fever, body aches, and discolored mucus.

Symptoms that summer allergies and colds share

It can be challenging for you to tell whether or not your child has allergies or a cold because the symptoms of the two are so similar. This is especially the case if your child is new to having allergies.

Common symptoms children experience from the two ailments include fatigue, headaches, stuffy nose, runny nose, coughing, congestion, and a sore throat. Depending on what caused the sickness, symptoms may present as mild, moderate, or severe. Your child’s individual reaction to allergies or colds is also a factor. Between one week and ten days is the duration of a summer cold, while allergy symptoms may last for a longer period of time.

How you can treat summer allergies and colds

Thankfully, the treatment for both allergies and colds is often the same because of the similarity in symptoms. Various recommended treatments include pain relievers, saline spray, over the counter decongestants, cough drops, proper hydration, and rest.

Specifically, allergies may be treated with over the counter antihistamines and eye drops. You may want to use a multi-symptom cold medicine to treat your child as well. The active ingredients in these include a cough suppressant, nasal decongestant, pain reliever, antihistamine, and a fever reducer.

Hot summer days are not the best time to treat children with warm soup or hot tea. Instead, consider a sinus rinse. You could also prepare some iced tea with honey for them. Increase vitamin C intake by serving your child citrus fruit and juices low in sugar. Finally, using a humidifier in their room relieves some of the symptoms of allergies and colds, without adding heat.

Get the right allergy testing and treatment for your child

If you think your child may be suffering from allergies, finding an experienced pediatrician is the best way to help. Dr. John M. Young is committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Our clinic is a friendly environment your child will enjoy without worry or stress. Call us today at (806) 354-0404 to schedule an appointment or Contact Us by email with any questions or to learn more about our Services. You can also stop by in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. #3 in Amarillo, TX.

In the United States, it is estimated that almost half of the population of children are affected by some form of allergy. After a few years of exposure to an outside allergen, children can develop allergic rhinitis. This type of allergy is generally found in children over the age of two. Indoor allergies can develop in children under this age and are usually triggered by dust mites or pet dander.

When your child suffers an allergic reaction, you will notice a number of symptoms. These include a stuffy or a runny nose, puffy eyes, unusual sneezing, scratchy throat caused by post nasal drip and itchy skin, mouth, or eyes. This type of indoor allergic reaction will peak in late childhood and in some cases early adolescence, but should improve or disappear during adulthood.

There are many ways to deal with your child’s allergic reactions that you may not know. The following five tips will help prepare you for seasonal allergies that may affect your child and help both of you deal with symptoms better.

Don’t base outdoor activities on pollen counts

Your local weather station may report overall pollen levels for the day. Some pollens may not be causing allergic reactions in your child, so you do not have to limit outdoor activities immediately due to this type of report.

If your child suffers from a specific seasonal allergy, they are most likely reacting to mold spores or pollens that come out during certain times of the year. Have your child’s pediatrician perform an allergy test to find out exactly which pollens cause a reaction. Once you know which allergens will affect your child, get a report from the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology to determine the times they will be active. Monitor outside activity according to what your child is allergic to and when those allergens are a problem.

You can begin your child’s allergy medicine earlier in the year

Your child’s seasonal allergy medicine is usually more useful as a preventive than a treatment. Once the symptoms begin, they are hard to stop, so preventing them from beginning will give your child much more relief. Over the counter medicines such as nose sprays with corticosteroids are the most effective for children two years or older.

Antihistamines are suitable for relieving symptoms after an allergy attack begins, but they are also better taken before symptoms start. Allergy treatments are recommended as a daily dose because they take approximately five days to become effective.

Cold weather can help postpone allergy symptoms

During the colder season of winter, your child will experience fewer reactions to allergens. February or March usually mark the beginning of the warmer season and rain. A rainy spring will cause symptoms to start early and increase as the plants begin to sprout. Once the wet weather leaves, pollen counts will explode.

Other weather conditions can affect your child’s seasonal allergy symptoms. Windy days, as well as warm days, create higher pollen counts. When the weather is calm, the pollen remains on the ground instead of filling the air your child breathes. Calm weather days are great for getting out and experiencing some fresh air, while windy days may be better spent indoors.

There are new allergy treatments for children five years or older

Until April of 2014, children had only one method to help their allergies. Immunotherapy or AIT consisted of shots given one or two times a week or month for three years, and in some cases, up to five years. These shots are designed to provide your child exposure to what they are allergic to so their immune system can become less reactive.

New treatments are now available for children five years and older in the form of oral immunotherapy agents. The pills are absorbed under your child’s tongue and contain an extract of the grass, ragweed, or other allergen causing a reaction. Your child’s pediatrician can prescribe this treatment and monitor their response to the medicine, so ask if this treatment is available in your area.

Honey as an allergy treatment is a myth

A lot of parents believe honey works on the same principle as immunotherapy as the bees collect the pollen from various plants. The sweet taste and thick consistency may assist with children suffering from coughs. However, honey has not been scientifically proven to be a treatment for seasonal allergies.

Get the right allergy testing and treatment for your child

If your child suffers from seasonal allergies, finding an experienced pediatrician is the best way to help. Dr. John M. Young is committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Our clinic is a friendly environment your child will enjoy without worry or stress. Call us today at (806) 354-0404 to schedule an appointment or Contact Us by email to learn more about our Services. You can also stop by in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. #3 in Amarillo, TX.

If your child has an allergic reaction, you should have the knowledge needed to quickly spot the problem. By learning the common signs of food and environmental allergies, you can help protect your toddler from serious health problems. The following information will give you the tools necessary to identify the symptoms of these allergies so that you can quickly respond and treat them.

Identifying food allergies

When a child experiences an allergic reaction to food, they may exhibit one or more of several common symptoms. Some toddlers break out in hives or eczema when exposed to a food they are allergic to. Serious food allergies may result in respiratory distress such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing. If your toddler is exposed to a food allergen, they may also experience abdominal pain or vomiting.

Your child may not show the symptoms of an allergic reaction until the second or third time they consume food. Wheat and milk allergies are often discovered after the child has already consumed them several times. Also, severe reactions often begin as milder allergic reactions. These reactions can quickly progress to severe respiratory distress or anaphylactic shock. It is important to slowly introduce food to your child and pay attention to any new allergy symptoms.

Identifying environmental allergies

Children often display seasonal or environmental allergies after the age of two. Toddlers show sensitivity to pollen around ages three to five. Pollen is responsible for many seasonal allergies. Symptoms can include itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and wheezing. Indoor allergens such as mold, animal dander, and dust can cause similar symptoms.

Seasonal and environmental allergies are diagnosed through skin-prick tests. To conduct the test, a pediatrician pricks the toddler’s skin on the arm with a variety of allergens. If redness or swelling appears, the pediatrician will determine which allergen caused the reaction. Blood tests then determine the child’s reactions to the specific allergens. Although seasonal and environmental allergens are uncomfortable for your toddler, they are not often considered dangerous conditions.

Allergy treatments

Treatment options for environmental and seasonal allergies depend on your toddler’s symptoms. Congestion can be treated with nasal saline rinses. More severe symptoms can be treated with antihistamines or nasal sprays. Speak to your pediatrician about allergy treatment options for your child’s specific symptoms.

In the case of an allergic reaction to food, you must stay calm. Many mild reactions can be treated with antihistamines such as Benadryl. Although mild reactions can be treated with over-the-counter medications, call 911 if your toddler has trouble breathing. Emergency personnel can often stop allergic reactions with an injection of epinephrine.

Allergy testing and treatment for toddlers in Amarillo, Texas

If your toddler is dealing with an unknown allergy, contact a pediatrician as soon as possible. Dr. John Young in Amarillo, Texas is committed to making allergy testing as easy as possible for you and for your child. Call us today at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our services. You can also visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo.

For many people, allergy symptoms flare up when seasons change. Allergy sufferers want to enjoy the outdoors in any season, but their symptoms present a challenge. This can be especially difficult for children who love to play outside. Fortunately, there are several allergy treatment options for children that deal with environmental allergies. These treatments include allergen avoidance, nasal rinses, and antihistamines.

Minimizing exposure to allergens

Allergy symptoms can be triggered by many things. If you are not exposed to an allergen, you won’t have allergy symptoms caused by that trigger. When your kids are struggling with uncomfortable symptoms, you may want to lock them up inside where their allergy triggers cannot affect them. The good news is that you can minimize exposure without having to keep your kids indoors all of the time. Keep your car windows closed while driving to keep pollen out and tell your kids not to roll in the grass. You can also have them change clothes after playing outside. Try to avoid being outdoors on days with high pollen counts. It may be tough, but some symptoms are too uncomfortable to risk exposure to allergens.

Nasal rinses

Many people benefit from nasal rinses because they relieve cold and allergy symptoms. This treatment option removes the allergens that have been caught in your child’s nose. After being outside for a while, have your child do a quick nasal rinse when they come back in. Nasal rinses are rather simple and consist of a saline solution going through one side of the nose and out the other. You can purchase this product at most local drugstores.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines work quickly and well for most children dealing with allergies. Benadryl is one commonly used, an over-the-counter antihistamine that helps relieve symptoms. Talk with your child’s pediatrician to determine which antihistamine would work best as an allergy treatment for your child.

Nasal steroids

Some allergy symptoms are so bad that your child needs daily medication to keep them under control. Nasal steroid sprays can help with a number of issues. These medicines are often more effective, but more expensive, than oral antihistamines. Side effects of nasal steroid use are rather minor, as some people have issues with drying out of the nasal passages. It is recommended you speak with a pediatrician to determine whether this allergy treatment is right for your child.

Eye drops

Some children suffer from itchy, watery eyes. Antihistamine eye drops can typically offer a great deal of relief from these allergy symptoms. Many options are available over the counter as well as from your child’s pediatrician. Unfortunately, eye drops may be difficult for young children to handle. If you are able to keep your child still, eye drops can be an effective allergy treatment option for you.

Professional pediatrics and allergy treatment in Amarillo, Texas

If your child suffers from allergies, finding an experienced pediatrician is the best way to help. Dr. John M. Young is committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Contact Us by email or call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to schedule an appointment with us today. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our services, including allergy testing and treatment.

With spring and summer come warmer temperatures, green grass and leaves, colorful flowers, and more opportunities to enjoy being outside. However, the allergens these changes bring can be challenging to many people, including children. Allergic reactions show up in many different ways, from sneezing and watering eyes to rashes and hives. As if that weren’t enough, allergies can also cause colds.

If your child seems to get sick every time the weather changes, allergies may be the culprit. It is important to know the causes of allergies in children to help you identify any allergens that may be affecting them. It is also important to know what actions to take in order to treat their allergies.

Causes of spring and summer allergies

One common cause of allergies is genetics. If you have allergies, your child may develop them, too. However, that does not necessarily mean that you and your child will have the same type of allergies. You could primarily have food allergies, while your child suffers from environmental allergies. Sometimes allergies appear early in life and other times they show up in the teenage or adult years. The effect of allergens can also change, becoming less severe over time or with treatment.

Identifying allergies in your child

Some allergic reactions are simple to identify, such as when a child is playing outside in the grass and a rash appears on their skin. However, some reactions are harder to credit. Is it the trees outside or your perfume that makes your child’s eyes water and their sinuses clog? A qualified pediatrician can perform thorough allergy testing to help identify the underlying allergens.

Actions to take once allergies have been found

One of the best ways to reduce allergic symptoms is to avoid or eliminate allergens. Washing clothes in hot water helps kill some allergens and remove them. Your child should take nightly showers or baths before bed to scrub away allergic triggers. You can also shut your windows and doors and use a HEPA air filter to help prevent allergic reactions. Pay attention to your cleaning products, because many of them contain fragrances or dyes that can irritate the sinuses or skin. All of these changes should be made slowly so you can monitor what helps your child and what doesn’t.

Treatments for allergies in children

There are many medications available to help with allergic reactions. Many are sold over the counter and come in forms like liquids, pills, nasal sprays, and topical ointments. A simple dose is often all your child needs to bounce back from their allergy symptoms. Prescription medicines, immunotherapy, and natural regimens are also available for more severe cases. All of these options may seem overwhelming, but your child’s pediatrician can help you narrow down the best choices and how to implement them.

Handling lifestyle changes

It can be very hard to avoid certain allergens, especially if that means your child must make sacrifices by avoiding certain foods or the outdoors. Pollen is everywhere and eating out safely can seem impossible. People with allergies sometimes find that non-allergy sufferers can be unsympathetic or unhelpful. It can also be difficult to remember to take medications each day and may seem emotionally overwhelming to your child when they cannot play outside.

Keep in mind that you and your child DO have the ability to overcome even the worst allergic reactions. While some reactions can be life-threatening, you and your child don’t have to stop enjoying life. Speaking with a pediatrician can help you decide where lifestyle changes are needed and where they are not necessary.

Empowering your child

Kids can take an active role in improving their own health by being aware of their surroundings and knowing their allergic triggers. Parents can partner with pediatricians to create age-appropriate lessons for children to learn how they can avoid likely problem areas. Children can even practice better techniques for taking medicines like nasal sprays, which need to be inhaled rather than snorted for best effect. When children know that they are able to help themselves, the misery of allergies will not be so overwhelming.

If you suspect your child has allergies, finding the right pediatrician with experience in allergy testing and treatment is vital. The office of Dr. John Young in Amarillo, Texas is committed to making allergy testing as easy as possible for you and for your child. Call us today at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email to learn more about Our Services. You can also visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo.

Those who suffer from allergies are accustomed to checking the pollen count and grabbing tissues before they leave their home. Adults with allergies do not often encounter problems because they are able to control their symptoms. Babies can also have allergies, but they are unable to cope with their symptoms like adults.

If one or both parents have allergies, a baby will be at increased risk of developing their own allergies within the first year of age. If you have allergies, your baby can develop allergies that are different from yours. Children can also get allergies even if both parents have none. It is important for parents to know why their children may have allergies, as well as how to prevent and treat their symptoms.

Nasal allergies

Nasal allergies are often associated with a constantly runny nose in adults and children. Other common signs of this type of allergy are red, itchy eyes and clear mucus. Children will not usually develop outdoor allergies, like those caused by pollen or ragweed, until they are three years old. However, babies can be allergic to dust mites, pet dander, and mold.

You can begin preventing your baby’s allergies by first paying attention to what may trigger them. Once you have found the source, begin eliminating it from your household. If your child is allergic to mold or dust mites, clean your house regularly and thoroughly. This includes washing all fabric materials and cleaning in hard to reach places. If pet dander is causing the allergic reactions, be sure to remove as much hair as possible from all surfaces.

Allergy treatment options for nasal allergies include creating a space where no pets are allowed for your baby to spend most of their time. You should also prevent pets from entering your baby’s bedroom. If mold or dust is an issue, be sure to follow precautionary steps to treat the allergy symptoms. Finally, if these measures do not work, your pediatrician may recommend medication for allergy treatment.

Food allergies

Many children are allergic to peanuts, but there are other foods that cause reactions, including milk, eggs, fish, wheat, and soy. Typically, food allergies are not noticed in babies until they begin to eat solid foods. Be careful when introducing your baby to new foods and pay attention to any reactions they may have, Food allergies can cause small reactions like sores around the mouth or dangerous reactions like closing of the throat.

Although you may not be able to prevent your child from having allergic reactions to food, you can take preventative steps. Introducing new food types slowly and carefully is the best way to see if your baby has a food allergy. You can also breastfeed your baby to possibly help delay or even prevent food allergies from occurring.

Treating food allergies can be easier than treating nasal allergies. First, take your baby to the pediatrician to get allergy testing. If a food allergy is identified, immediately eliminate the allergen from your child’s diet. Other allergy treatments that you can use will depend upon the severity of your child’s allergy and their age. Medications can be used to treat food allergy symptoms that are both slight and severe.

Childhood eczema

Eczema is considered to be one of the first signs that your baby will develop allergies. This condition causes red, itchy spots on the skin that can sometimes keep your baby awake at night. Fortunately, childhood eczema often diminishes as your child gets older.

Preventing eczema can be as simple as eliminating perfumed products from your household. Choose products labeled as “fragrance-free” rather than those labeled “unscented,” as these typically contain perfumes that mask other smells.

Allergy treatment for eczema includes bathing your baby every day. Use mild hygiene products that are fragrance-free and pat-dry your baby after their bath. Then, to keep their skin hydrated, apply a gentle moisturizing ointment or cream. You can use an oatmeal bath to treat the symptoms of eczema, but this will not remove the bacteria that cause the condition. If these treatment methods do not work, schedule an appointment for allergy testing with your pediatrician. A professional can offer advice and medical treatments to help with the symptoms and causes of eczema.

Finding the best pediatrician for your child

If you suspect your child has allergies, finding the right pediatrician with experience in allergy testing and treatment is important. The office of Dr. John Young in Amarillo, Texas is committed to making allergy testing as easy as possible for you and for your child. Call us today at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our services. You can also visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo.

Springtime ushers in warm weather and blossoming flowers and trees. Despite the lovely weather, springtime allergies affect many people. Heavy amounts of pollen cause many people to suffer from stuffy or runny noses and watery eyes. Children can become frustrated because even though the weather changes and the daylight hours extend, they are held back due to their allergies. Here are a few steps you can take to help alleviate your child’s springtime allergy symptoms.

Use allergy prevention techniques

Prevention is the best way to avoid pollen and dust allergies. Have your child wear sunglasses to prevent itchy, watery eyes. Another option is to have your child wear clothing made of synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester, and spandex. If your child has spent time playing outside, have them take a shower to wash off anything they picked up outdoors that could trigger an allergy.

Administer allergy medication early

Your pediatrician may prescribe antihistamines in order to manage your child’s allergy symptoms. Some of these medications are short-acting, while some are on a time-release that lasts up to 24 hours. It is best to begin administering allergy medication to your child before springtime. Administering in advance will give the medication time to start working and reduce the chance of your child experiencing discomfort.

A nasal spray or eye drops are also great options for allergy relief. If allergy symptoms persist, your child may need allergy testing. Discuss testing and treatment options with your pediatrician. Your child may be able to find relief from springtime allergy symptoms through prescription medication or allergy shots.

Shut windows and doors

It can be tempting to leave your doors and windows open during springtime. However, keeping the doors and windows shut will prevent outdoor allergy triggers from affecting your children. You want to minimize the amount of pollen in your home and preventing allergens from entering in the first place is the best option.

Professional pediatrics in Amarillo, Texas

If your child suffers from allergies, finding an experienced pediatrician is the best way to help. Dr. John Young is committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to schedule an appointment with us today. You can also Contact Us by email or visit our clinic in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our services.

Children that have allergies deal with hypersensitivity to one or more substances that would be harmless to most people. When a substance is introduced to the lungs, nose, mouth, or skin, they develop an allergic response. About 15 to 20 percent of all children deal with allergic reactions.

Allergies cause illness and missed school days for many children. Studies have shown that allergies are most common in boys under age 10. Girls between 10 and 20 years of age are also more likely to deal with allergies. If you think your child may be dealing with allergies, it is important to understand what is causing them and how to treat the condition.

Symptoms of allergies

Allergic reactions can occur on nearly any part of the body. The location of the allergic reaction will determine the symptoms produced by the allergen. If the reaction is in the nose, symptoms may include sneezing, nasal itching, runny nose, or stuffiness. Allergic reactions in the eye include symptoms like redness, swelling, tearing, and itching. Those experiencing allergies in the bronchial tubes and lungs may suffer from asthmatic symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing. Reactions on the skin can cause rashes like hives and eczema.

Allergic reactions that occur in the eyes, nose, or bronchial tubes are typically caused by airborne allergies. Airborne allergies may be caused by pollen, mold, dust mites, or animal dander. Reactions involving the skin or digestive tract could be caused by foods. In some instances, a rash can also be caused by an airborne allergen. Sudden asthmatic symptoms, like wheezing, can be triggered by certain foods. Speaking with a pediatrician and having allergy testing done can help isolate the cause of specific allergic reactions.

What causes allergies in children?

Children are not always born with allergies, but they have the capacity to develop them. Also, some children have an inherited predisposition for allergy development. A child can become allergic to something after repeated exposure to an allergen, although some allergies can form after only one exposure.

Children with a tendency to develop allergic reactions may deal with milk allergies shortly after birth and allergies to pet dander at a young age. These children may experience additional allergic reactions as they encounter new things in their environment. Many allergies are life-long, although some may be lost over time. It is important to see a pediatrician if your child becomes allergic to something new, or suddenly loses an allergy.

Treatment for pediatric allergies

The best treatment for alleviating allergies in children is eliminating whatever allergen is causing the issue. Simply removing the allergen can eliminate symptoms. If avoidance fails to alleviate pediatric allergy symptoms, medication may be used to help. Your pediatrician can prescribe a long-lasting antihistamine, which is generally effective. Some children may need allergy shots or vaccines to keep their symptoms under control as well.

If you suspect your child has allergies, finding the right pediatrician with experience in allergy testing is important. The office of Dr. John Young in Amarillo, Texas is committed to making allergy testing as easy as possible for you and for your child. Call us today at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our services. You can also visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo.