FAQs About Allergies

Many people have experienced coming into contact with something that makes them sneeze. Someone's pet, pretty flowers, a certain food - all of these seemingly innocuous things may cause problems for some children. Allergic reactions can happen in response to certain foods, bee stings, dust mites, and more. The optimal approach to managing allergies starts with knowing your child's allergens. The pediatricians at Timberlake Pediatrics can help manage your child's allergies in Sacramento, CA.

What Is an Allergy?

An allergy is an unusually high sensitivity to something that causes your body to think it is being invaded and causes an overreaction of the immune system.

What Causes an Allergic Reaction?

When exposed to a substance that your child is allergic to, their immune system goes into overdrive. The immune system produces specific chemical-releasing antibodies that cause an allergic reaction.

What Are the Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction I Should Look For in My Child?

If you suspect an allergy in your child, the symptoms to watch for are:

• Stuffy nose/sneezing
• Itchiness on the roof of the mouth or in the ears
• Tightening of the throat/difficulty swallowing
• A rash consisting of hives or welts
• Red, itchy, and watery eyes
• Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
• Nausea, upset stomach or diarrhea may occur in response to a food allergy.

Can You Outgrow an Allergy?

Yes, you can. But that doesn't mean that you will. Allergies can develop at any point in your lifespan, they may come and go or affect your child differently at different ages. Tolerance to a specific allergen may develop over time as a result of exposure to low levels of the allergen throughout life. This is quite similar to the way allergy shots can help your child with their allergies in Sacramento, CA.

What Are Some Treatments for Child Allergies?

 Below are just a few treatments that we provide.

• Antihistamine or other over-the-counter medication recommendations
• Immunotherapy involves exposing your child to a small amount of their allergen.  Over time, their immune system adapts to it and the response of the immune system dampens.
• Steroid and decongestant sprays

Is There Anything I Can Do To Help My Child With Their Allergies?

Knowing more means you can control more. Some steps that you can take are:

• First and foremost, avoidance of known allergens is the best strategy.
• Clean often to help control dust. This is especially important in your child's bedroom.
• Stay indoors when pollen counts are high.
• Use a humidifier in drier areas of the home
• Both you and your child should always carry an Epi-pen in the case of a severe reaction.

Contact Us

Schedule a consultation with one of our pediatric specialists at Timberlake Pediatrics to learn how to best manage your child's allergies in Sacramento, CA. Call us at (916) 688-5040.