Allergies in Children

How your pediatrician in Maricopa, AZ, can help

Allergies are a common problem for children and can cause all kinds of symptoms. Fortunately, your pediatrician can help. Dr. Anthony DiGeorge, Sultan Ayoub FNP and Lisa Baba FNP at Southwestern Pediatrics in Maricopa, AZ, offer a full range of services including allergy testing and treatment to help your child feel better.

So, how do you know if your child has allergies? There are a number of signs and symptoms you may notice, including:

• Coughing and sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny nose and sore throat
• Itchy, irritated skin or rashes

If your child experiences breathing problems, this can be a sign of a potentially deadly allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock, and should be treated as a medical emergency.

If your child has food allergies, your child may have a stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

A foreign substance, called an allergen, causes allergy symptoms. When your child is exposed to this foreign substance, your child has an allergic response, causing the symptoms. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine what your child is allergic to. That’s where allergy testing comes in. Some common allergens to be tested for include:

• Plant, grass, and tree pollen
• Mildew, mold, and spores
• Dust mites, pet hair, and pet dander

Once your Maricopa, AZ, pediatrician has determined the cause of your child’s allergies, you can take steps to help your child avoid the allergen. Your pediatrician may also recommend effective allergy treatments including:

• Allergy shots
• Sublingual immunotherapy drops
• Prescription strength antihistamine medications
• Prescription strength decongestant medications
• Steroid nasal sprays and nasal lavage
• Inhalers and other breathing aids

Allergies can make your child uncomfortable and sick. Chronic allergies can cause additional problems like ear, nose, and throat infections. Don’t wait to seek out the help of the experts. Just pick up your phone and call (520) 568-9500 to schedule an appointment with one of the pediatricians at Southwestern Pediatrics in Maricopa, AZ.