FAQs About Children’s Allergies

It can be difficult to see your child struggle with allergies or feel the need to protect them from allergens. Dr. Aldo Bejarano and the pediatric providers at AFB Pediatrics help children with allergies in Pasadena, TX, stay healthy. Read some of the most frequent questions we get about children's allergies, and contact us for help today.

What Does Having Allergies Mean?

An allergic reaction is the body's immune system fighting off a substance it mistakenly identifies as a threat. It is believed that genetics and your environment both contribute to developing allergies. Two main categories of allergens are food allergies and environmental allergens like pet dander, dust mites, chemicals, and some medications.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergies?

Allergic reactions can be mild or life-threatening. If your child has allergies in Pasadena, TX, certain foods can cause mouth itchiness, shortness of breath, stomach pain, and vomiting. A common reaction to environmental allergies is hay fever symptoms. These include sneezing, a runny nose, and watering eyes.

How Do You Test for Allergies?

If you think your child has allergies in Pasadena, TX, we can test them to determine what they are allergic to. Blood tests can identify certain allergies, but the most common allergy test is a skin prick test. During a patch test or skin prick test, we prick the skin and introduce a tiny amount of a potential allergen. If hives form on the patch of skin, it helps us identify an allergy.

How Can You Treat Allergies?

There is no cure for allergies, but we can help you manage the symptoms. Allergy shots can help prevent reactions to certain, non-food allergens like mold, dust, pollen, animals, and insect stings. Allergy medicines like antihistamines delivered through nasal sprays can ease sinus symptoms.

An acute attack or severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis and can be life-threatening. An adrenaline injection like an EpiPen can be life-saving, but you should still seek immediate medical attention and follow up with your pediatrician.

What Can I Do To Help My Child?

Medical alert bracelets help make everyone aware of a child's allergies. Make sure your child's school, any caregivers, and the adults involved in their activities know about their allergies. When your child has environmental allergies, air filters and a cleaning schedule for linens and dust at home can help limit exposure to allergens.

Get Allergy Testing and Treatment

AFB Pediatrics is here for your family if someone is struggling with allergies in Pasadena, TX. Contact us at (832) 386-9200 to make an appointment with Dr. Bejarano.