Are You Experiencing Allergies?

The very things that make the outdoors pretty, can also cause problems in some children and exacerbate allergies. Allergens can be many other things besides pollen, however. Kids can have an allergic reaction to certain foods, bee stings, dust mites, and more. When exposed to an allergen, your child's immune system goes into overdrive by producing specific antibodies that release chemicals and cause an allergic reaction. The best approach to managing allergies is to be aware of your child's allergens. The pediatricians at Tri-Valley Pediatrics can help manage your child's allergies in San Ramon and Pleasanton, CA.

What help will you provide for my child's allergies?

The more you know - the more you can control. We will arm you with the knowledge of what your child is allergic to and how to best manage them. Below are just a few treatments that we provide for allergies in Pleasanton, CA.

• Recommendations of over the counter medications such as antihistamines
• Allergy shots dampen the response of the immune system
• If your child has a fear of needles (as many do), we provide sublingual therapy in place of allergy shots for less severe allergies. This is a form of allergy drop that is placed under the tongue.

I notice that my child reacts after exposure to certain things. Do you provide allergy testing?

We do, but we may not feel it is necessary. An allergy test always involves some form of discomfort, whether from waiting to see if the skin produces a reaction or drawing blood. We want our kids to avoid this discomfort. After taking a thorough medical history and evaluation, we may decide that your child does not need an allergy test. But, the option is always there when we feel that it is necessary.

If you notice the symptoms below in your child after being exposed to certain foods, plants or animals, etc, you may suspect an allergy. Symptoms to watch for are:

• Stuffy nose/sneezing
• Itchiness in the ears or roof of the mouth
• Tightening of the throat/difficulty swallowing
• A rash consisting of hives or welts
• Red, itchy, and watery eyes
• Asthmatic-like symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
• Vomiting, upset stomach, and diarrhea in response to a food allergy

What can I do to help my child?

Some steps that you can take are:

• Avoidance of known allergens is the best strategy, especially those known to cause a strong reaction.
• Clean often, particularly in your child's bedroom, to help control dust.
• Stay indoors when pollen counts are high.
• Use a humidifier in damp areas of your home
• A medical alert card and epinephrine pen should always be with you and your child in the case of a severe reaction.

Contact us

Schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric specialists at Tri-Valley Pediatrics to learn how to best manage your child's allergies in San Ramon and Pleasanton, CA. Call us at our Pleasanton office by calling (925) 460-8444 or our San Ramon Office at (925) 380-6230.