Allergies may cause seasonal discomfort or may place your child at significant risk for respiratory problems or life-threatening reactions. The expert team at Bright Futures Pediatrics in Las Vegas, Nevada, offers allergy testing and treatment plans that help manage symptoms and risks associated with food, environmental, insect, and other allergies. To schedule an appointment at their Southwest or Centennial Hills location, call the friendly staff or book online today.
request an appointmentWhat are allergies?
Allergies are an overreaction by the immune system to a specific trigger, called an allergen. Allergens are particular to each child and could cause reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening.
Common symptoms of allergies in children include:
- Mild cold symptoms, such as runny nose or fatigue
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Skin rash, redness, swelling, or itchiness
- Chronic congestion
- Cough or sneezing
- Frequent ear infections or ear pain
- Nausea or vomiting
More severe reactions include breathing or respiratory problems.
Having allergies may increase your child’s risk of having chronic asthma or frequent respiratory infections. Knowing your child’s specific allergens and reactions to those triggers is essential for keeping them safe and healthy.
What are the common allergy triggers?
There are many possible triggers for your child’s allergies. Each child reacts differently to allergens, and sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint what’s causing their allergic reactions.
Some potential allergy triggers include:
- Foods, including eggs, dairy, or nuts, among others
- Dust or pollen
- Pet dander
- Certain types of antibiotics or other medications
- Laundry soap or personal hygiene products
- Certain kinds of fabrics
- Insects, including bees or ants
- Plants, such as poison ivy or poison sumac
In severe cases, these triggers could cause an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction that causes severe breathing problems and could lead to death if not treated immediately. When your child has potentially severe allergies, your pediatrician may recommend you carry rescue medications, such as epinephrine, in case of exposure.
What should I do if I think my child has allergies?
If you suspect your child has allergies, it’s essential for your pediatrician to evaluate them and work with you to develop a plan to avoid symptoms. Your provider at Bright Futures Pediatrics may recommend allergy testing, especially if you’re unsure which allergens cause your child’s reactions.
Personalized treatment plans may include:
- Annual physicals
- Medications (daily, as needed, or rescue)
- Allergen avoidance plans
- Lifestyle or environmental changes
- Allergy shots
- Dietary restrictions
If your child has allergies, the Bright Futures Pediatrics team monitors them closely for signs of new or worsening symptoms. As your child gets older, their symptoms may improve or disappear altogether. They may also worsen or continue into adulthood.
Ongoing, quality pediatric care is vital to protect your child’s health when they have allergies. For expert allergy evaluation and treatment, call the nearest office or schedule an appointment online with Bright Futures Pediatrics today.