Allergies in Bloomington, IL
Allergies are a common problem for everyone, including children. They can be seasonal, or they can last all year long. Our pediatrician can help your child get relief from allergy symptoms.
What You Need to Know about Allergies
Allergy symptoms are caused when your child is exposed to an allergic substance, known as an allergen. There are seasonal allergies, which can be caused by:
- Plant and flower pollens
- Trees and grasses
There are also allergies that can last all year long, caused by:
- Pet fur and dander
- Mold and mildew
- Dust and dust mites
There are also food allergies, caused by:
- Dairy
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
Symptoms of Allergies in Children
Your child’s nasal passages and sinuses are small, which means allergy signs and symptoms are more pronounced. Common signs and symptoms of allergies include:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy, runny nose
- Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
- Rashes that can itch or burn
- Breathing problems
- Sore throat or nausea
How Allergies are Diagnosed
Allergies are diagnosed with allergy testing. For general allergies, your pediatrician may recommend skin testing. A small amount of allergen is placed just under the skin, to see if a reaction develops. Challenge testing is used for food allergies. A small amount of allergen is ingested to see if it causes a reaction. Blood tests can also be used. A blood sample is sent off to a laboratory for testing against allergens.
Treatment for Allergies
There are several ways your pediatrician can treat allergies, including prescription-strength antihistamine and decongestant medications, steroid nasal sprays, allergy shots, sublingual immunotherapy, rescue inhalers, and epi-pens for emergency allergy relief.
When an Allergic Reaction is an Emergency
A severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening, so you need to call 911 if your child is:
- Turning pale
- Having severe breathing problems
- Is unable to speak
