An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system gives an over-the-top reaction to something that's usually harmless. Your doctors, Dr. Jag Ambwani, Dr. Chirlyn Urena, and Dr. Dolly Ubhrani of Longwood Pediatrics in Longwood, FL, also serving Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Sanford, and Maitland, FL, help diagnose and treat child allergies.

Symptoms of Child Allergies

An allergic reaction can occur anywhere on your child's body. Areas where your child's allergies can occur include their mouth, nose, skin, lungs, eyes, throat, and stomach lining. Your child's immune system typically encounters germs or allergens in these areas. Common symptoms of child allergies include:

• Stomach upset
• Skin hives
• Red watery itchy eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing or wheezing
• Ear itching
• Anaphylaxis

Treating Child Allergy Symptoms

The best ways to manage your child's allergies are:

Avoidance 

Avoidance means keeping your child as far away as possible from possible allergens. Allergens are substances that trigger your child's immune system to give an exaggerated response. Common allergens include pollen, perfume, animal fur, and specific foods. Your child may need to see an allergist to identify their allergy triggers. Your pediatrician uses percutaneous skin testing to identify environmental and food allergen-induced allergy symptoms.

Medicines

Your child's doctor may manage child allergies in Longwood, FL, also serving Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Sanford, and Maitland, FL, with the following:

• Antihistamines
• Asthma medication
• Decongestants
• Nasal sprays
• Allergy tablets
• Allergy shots

Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

Allergy shots contain a tiny amount of your child's allergen to help them develop immunity. For the next 3-5 years, your pediatrician increases the dose of the allergy shots as your child's tolerance increases. Eventually, your child can get complete relief from their allergies.

During the buildup phase, your child may get allergy shots once or twice a week. The frequency of the shots decreases when your child moves into the maintenance phase. During the maintenance phase, your child may get shots weekly, biweekly, or monthly.

Allergy shots from your trusted pediatrician are safe. Your child may get mild reactions to the shot such as redness or itching, but an ice pack should help. More severe adverse reactions are unlikely.

Get your child's allergies under control with your pediatrician's help. Call (407) 644-9970 to schedule a consultation with your pediatricians, Dr. Ambwani, Dr. Urena, and Dr. Ubhrani of Longwood Pediatrics in Longwood, FL, also serving Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Sanford, and Maitland, FL, for child allergies diagnosis and treatment.