At Abra Health, we provide allergy testing and treatment for children in a comfortable and safe environment. By choosing us, you can be confident that your child will receive the best possible care for their allergies.
What are Allergies?
Allergies occur when the body reacts to a substance it views as a harmful “invader.” When a child has allergies, they may experience an allergic reaction, which happens when their immune system becomes hypersensitive to certain substances, causing bothersome symptoms, such as a runny nose, an irritated throat, itchy eyes, or sneezing.
What Causes Allergies?
An allergic reaction may be brought on by exposure to an allergen through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or injection. Your child may be allergic to a variety of substances and may outgrow certain allergies as they age.
Common allergens include:
- Pollen: Hay fever is an allergic response to pollen. Hay fever causes inflammation and swelling of the lining of the nose.
- Dust mites: Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like pests that live in dust and in the fibers of household objects.
- Pet dander: Pet dander is composed of tiny particles of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, and other animals.
- Foods: Common foods that may cause an allergic reaction include peanuts, eggs, milk, shellfish, wheat, soy, and tree nuts.
- Mold spores: Mold is a type of fungus with spores that float in the air, similar to pollen. Mold can be found indoors in damp areas, such as the bathroom or kitchen.
- Insect stings: An insect sting allergic reaction often include swelling that extends beyond the sting site.
- Medicines: Any medication, such as over-the-counter, prescription or herbal, is capable of causing a drug allergy.
It’s essential to identify the substances that trigger your child’s allergic reactions so they may be avoided in the future. Allergy testing may be used to identify your child’s allergens and determine their severity.
When Should Parents Consider Allergy Testing for Their Child?
If your child shows symptoms of an allergic reaction after coming into contact with a substance or at certain times of the year, you should consider allergy testing.
Common signs of an allergic reaction in children include:
- Hives
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Wheezing
- Rhinitis
- Skin rashes
- Itchy eyes
- Digestion issues
Beware of Anaphylaxis
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, allergies may lead to serious and even life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
- Swelling of the throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Weak or rapid pulse
For emergency treatment, epinephrine is recommended to treat the symptoms of anaphylaxis. Epinephrine helps quickly reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways in the lungs, helping the airways to open up.
How Does Allergy Testing Work?
At Abra Health, we will conduct a blood test to determine what substances your child is allergic to. A doctor will take a small blood sample from your child’s arm and send it to a laboratory for testing. The results will be used to create a personalized treatment plan for your child.
Allergy Treatment Plan
Once the allergens that trigger your child’s reactions have been identified, we will work with you to create a treatment plan. Your child’s treatment plan will depend on the type and severity of their allergy. Children that are at risk for anaphylactic shock may need to take extra care to avoid the allergy-causing substance. This may involve carrying an emergency epinephrine treatment with them at all times.
Treat Your Child’s Allergies at Abra Health
Allergies can be uncomfortable and even life-threatening. If you think your child may have allergies, schedule an appointment with us today. We are dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience for both you and your child to improve their well-being.
