Our pediatric allergy and immunology doctors are experts in treating children with allergy, asthma, and immune system problems. They specialize in conditions that can affect the entire body or affect specific parts, such as the lungs, eyes, skin, head, neck, ears, and nasal passages.
Allergists and immunologists are both specialists in the field of Allergy & Immunology. However, an allergist may focus on caring for patients with allergies and asthma, whereas an immunologist may focus on the more complex and less common immune system disorders.
Allergists help children suffering from common allergic symptoms that may include red, watery eyes, itchy skin, runny nose, and hives due to allergies to pollen, dust mites, food, pets, medications, or other sources. They can also treat children who may have asthma, which is an inflammation of the airways that causes coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
For children with allergies and asthma, we use a variety of tests to assess and diagnose their over-active immune systems. Here are some of the options available at our clinics:
- Skin testing – Skin prick testing on the arm or back to determine if there is a reaction.
- Blood testing – Blood testing to measure levels of antibody against specific allergens.
- Spirometry testing – Testing to measure lung function and to diagnose asthma.
- Food or medication challenges – Testing that verifies if a patient is allergic to a substance by checking for symptoms after exposure of increased quantities.
Immunologists identify the root cause or triggers of your child’s immune system problems, typically recurrent, severe, or unusual types of infections. They care for children with a range of immune disorders, broadly classified as immunodeficiency disorders or inborn errors of immunity. They can help children manage disorders as they grow older, and help them achieve the best-possible quality of life.
All members of our pediatric allergy and immunology team believe in a multidisciplinary, “whole-child” approach to managing and treating allergies and immune disorders. Because allergies or immune disorders can affect many areas of the body, we work closely with other pediatric specialists, including dermatologists (skin), pulmonologists (lungs), geneticists, and rheumatologists (joints and other organs). Our team partners with your child’s primary care provider to help manage medications and other therapies for chronic conditions.
Once the cause of symptoms has been determined and a diagnosis is in place, we will create an individualized treatment plan that addresses your child’s specific allergies or immune issues. We’ll work with you to ensure that the plan is feasible for your family and works with your schedule and needs. We’re here to help support you and answer any questions you have as your family makes lifestyle adjustments and starts treatment.
Dealing with allergies and other immune conditions can put a damper on childhood fun, and at worst, they can be debilitating and life-threatening. We’re ready to help relieve your child or adolescent’s symptoms and find a lasting solution to their allergy or immune problems. Our goal is to allow children the freedom to play, exercise and enjoy food without excessive fear of allergy flare-ups or recurrent infections. If your child needs care for allergies, asthma, or an immune system disorder, our allergist-immunologists can help provide the compassionate care they need to thrive.
