Allergies

More than 5.2 million children in the United States have allergies. If your child is one of them, you can find help at the Center for Advanced Pediatrics. At their offices in Darien and Norwalk, Connecticut, the pediatrics team determines what’s triggering your child’s allergy symptoms. They also customize treatment for allergies using medication. Call the Center for Advanced Pediatrics office nearest to you today to schedule or book an appointment online.

What causes allergies?

Allergies are overreactions of your immune system to substances usually not considered harmful.

Contact with an allergen causes your immune system to produce antibodies in its own defense. These antibodies trigger itchy eyes, runny nose, and other allergy symptoms.

Common allergens that trigger allergic reactions in children include:

• Dust
• Mold
• Pollen
• Latex
• Pet dander
• Insect bites and stings

Some kids also have allergies to ingredients in some medications and foods like nuts, soy, and shellfish. Note that the Center for Advanced Pediatrics does not manage food allergies.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Allergy symptoms in children range from mild to severe. The most common allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Skin rashes and hives

Some kids can have a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This causes sudden inflammation in the airways, making breathing difficult. Anaphylaxis requires emergency medical attention. Call 911 or get to a hospital emergency room without delay.

If your child has allergy symptoms you can’t control, you should schedule an evaluation at the Center for Advanced Pediatrics.

How are allergies treated?

Your child’s allergy treatment plan usually starts with over-the-counter medication. If these aren’t effective at controlling your child’s allergy symptoms, the Center for Advanced Pediatrics team can prescribe stronger medications.

The pediatrics team works closely with you and your child to ensure that the allergy treatments are working well. They also offer comprehensive care for asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that often occurs alongside allergies.

If your child has anaphylaxis, the team can prescribe injectable epinephrine pens (sometimes called EpiPens® or AUVI-Q) that you can use in an emergency to quickly reduce airway inflammation. Your child will still need medical attention after using the pen.

Call the Center for Advanced Pediatrics office nearest to you today or book a consultation online to schedule for your child.