Identifying your child’s allergy triggers is the first step in creating an effective treatment plan. Board-certified pediatric allergy and immunology doctors at University Health can test your child for many allergies.
What Are Allergies?
An allergy is an immune system reaction to something that should be harmless. When the body mistakes harmless invaders, like dust or pollen, for harmful ones, their immune system overreacts. This is why your child may be sneezing or have watery eyes.
How Much Do You Know About Allergies?
Take this quiz to learn how you can deal with allergies better.
What Causes Allergies in Children?
Various indoor and outdoor things, including medication, pollen and food, can cause pediatric allergies. The most common environmental allergens are:
- Animal dander
- Dust
- Mold
- Grass, weeds and tree pollen, including mountain cedar
The most common food allergens are peanuts, eggs and milk. The most common drug allergies are antibiotics and penicillin.
Food & Drug Allergy Symptoms
Children with food and drug allergies have an immune system that fights the specific food or drug because it thinks it’s harmful to the body. Signs of allergies and anaphylaxis in children happen quickly after exposure to certain foods or drugs. Common symptoms include:
- Hives (itchy red bumps or skin welts)
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing
- Redness or swelling of the face
- Stomach pain or diarrhea
- Vomiting or reflux
Bring a list of foods that cause your child to react, including the reactions that occur, to your appointment.
Pediatric Allergy Testing
Pediatric allergists test your child for allergies through skin pricks, blood tests and oral food challenge tests. The tests check your child’s response to allergens and show what they’re allergic to.
Treating Children’s Allergies
Your pediatric allergist and immunologist will recommend allergy treatments. Also, your family will learn about allergies and anaphylaxis caused by allergens.
Environmental Allergy Treatments
To treat indoor or outdoor environmental allergies, your doctor may recommend:
- Antihistamine nasal sprays to relieve congestion and sneezing
- Eye drops to help ease red, itchy eyes
- Oral antihistamine medications to reduce allergy symptoms
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy)
Food Allergy Treatments
There is no cure for food allergies except avoiding the foods that cause reactions in your child. Depending on the severity of the allergy, your child may outgrow it. Expect a personalized treatment plan for your child based on their allergies. Your child may also need a special diet to avoid known food allergens.
Your child’s doctor will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector. Carry it with you in case your child has a severe allergic reaction.
Recognized Pediatric Care Team
Feel confident in your child's care from the University Health team in partnership with UT Health San Antonio specialists. Nationally recognized physicians Dr. Anthony J. Infante and Dr. Edward G. Brooks lead the care team. Together, they have more than 50 years of clinical experience. Their contributions to pediatric immune system disorders research have been cited worldwide.