Child allergies are common immune system disturbances that affect nearly 1 in 13 children, but they’re not always easy to spot.  The doctors at Longwood Pediatrics serving Lake Mary, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Sanford, Maitland, FL are here to identify, treat, and guide you and your child in their journey with allergies.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are irregular reactions from the body to a particular outside element.  The body identifies something that is typically innocent as harmful and begins to produce defensive antibodies to fight off the intruder.  Typical child allergies are:

• Food (milk, eggs, nuts)
• Medicine
• Pet dander 
• Grass, trees, pollen, brush

Symptoms

It can be difficult to uncover whether your child is suffering from allergies or if they have a virus because their symptoms can be so similar, but we understand it is important to know the difference to effectively treat the child.  Telltale symptoms of child allergies include:

• Stuffy, itchy, runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Hives, rash
• Trouble breathing, coughing, wheezing

Fluids excreted from allergies tend to run clear and watery in comparison to the thick, colored mucus from a virus.  Additionally, allergy symptoms are consistent and only ease up when removed from the irritant, whereas virus symptoms will taper off with time.  Another significant difference between allergies and a virus is the body’s energy levels.  While allergies may bog your child down from irritation, a virus often produces additional symptoms such as fever and body fatigue.  

Treatment

Pediatricians at Longwood Pediatrics serving the areas of Lake Mary, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Sanford, Maitland, FL use a variety of treatments for your child’s allergies. They are equipped to identify potential problems with meticulous testing and offer a range of treatment options from over-the-counter and at-home remedies to immunotherapy (allergy shots), to lifestyle alteration planning.  The best way to help your child is to make an appointment to discuss your options with one of the providers.

For more information on child allergies, call Longwood Pediatrics at (407) 644-9970 to schedule an appointment.