Fairmont Pediatrics

Outstanding Pediatric Care located in La Porte & Pasadena, TX

Mild, moderate, or severe allergic reactions account for about two million missed school days a year for school-aged children. Monina Asuncion, MD and Jilly Vidyasagaran, MD, of Fairmont Pediatrics offers allergy support for children and their parents from her offices in La Porte and Pasadena, Texas. If your child has seasonal, food, or other allergies, call the practice or schedule an appointment online today.

Allergies Q & A

What are allergies?

An allergy is a hyperactive immune response to a substance that the body sees as harmful. Something your child has eaten, breathed in, touched, or been bitten by triggers an allergic reaction that may range from mild to life-threatening.

A child with allergies may have a higher risk of developing asthma, eczema, psoriasis, and frequent respiratory infections. Allergies may worsen over time and with repeated exposure.

It’s essential that your child receives expert diagnosis and treatment to protect their health, especially if their reactions are moderate or severe.

What are common allergy triggers?

The trigger for an allergic reaction is called an allergen. Common causes of allergic reactions include:

  • Environmental: mold, pollen, or dust mites
  • Food: nuts, peanut butter, milk, or eggs
  • Insect bites: bees, cockroaches, or ants
  • Animals: pet dander or animal hair
  • Skin contact: soaps, latex, or plants

This is not an exhaustive list, so your child may react to a different food or other allergens. A child may also have more than one trigger. A key aspect of treating allergies is identifying your child’s specific allergens and avoiding exposure whenever possible.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

There are a variety of possible allergy symptoms, which may range from a mild skin reaction to life-threatening respiratory distress.

Mild or moderate allergy symptoms include:

  • Stuffy nose
  • Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
  • Red or watery eyes
  • Skin rash or hives
  • Nausea or tummy ache
  • Diarrhea
  • Coughing
  • Hoarseness

A severe anaphylactic reaction could include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Throat tightness
  • Swelling
  • Lightheadedness
  • Loss of consciousness

An anaphylactic reaction is a severe medical condition that needs immediate treatment. If your child has severe allergies, Dr. Vidyasagaran orders rescue medications, like an epinephrine injection, to keep with them at all times.

How are allergies diagnosed?

To diagnosis your child’s allergies, it is crucial to pay close attention to details related to their symptoms. Depending on your child’s symptoms, Dr. Vidyasagaran may ask questions related to:

  • Foods they ate before symptoms started
  • Severity of symptoms
  • Location when symptoms started
  • Duration of symptoms
  • Specific symptoms they experienced
  • Use of creams or soaps
  • New foods or hygiene products
  • Medical or allergy history

Our Physicians may order allergy testing, which uses controlled exposure to allergens to determine if and how severely your child may be allergic to a substance. Treatments may include limiting exposure and using medications, antihistamines, topical creams, and allergy shots.

If your child has mild-to-severe allergy symptoms, call Fairmont Pediatrics or schedule an appointment online today.

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