How Do I Know if My Child Has Allergies?

If your child suffers from chronic sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, or watery eyes, your child could have allergies. If you have an infant or a very young child, the signs and symptoms of allergies may be more difficult to notice. Your pediatrician can help.

The pediatricians at Tri-Valley Pediatrics provide comprehensive medical services for children, including allergy testing and treatment. They have two convenient office locations in Pleasanton, and San Ramon, CA.

Allergy symptoms flare up when your child is exposed to a substance he or she is allergic to. These substances, known as allergens, can produce symptoms seasonally, or throughout the year.

Common seasonal allergens include:

• Grasses and trees
• Plant and flower pollens

Common allergens which can affect your child throughout the year include:

• Pet hair and dander
• Dust mites and mold
• Peanuts, shellfish, and dairy

If your child is exposed to an allergen, it can produce signs and symptoms like these:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy, runny nose
• Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
• Rashes that can itch or burn
• Breathing problems
• Sore throat or nausea

For infants and young children, signs and symptoms may include:

• Feeding more slowly
• Difficulty breathing while feeding
• Tiring easily from activity

Your pediatrician can test your child for allergies using skin tests and blood tests, to determine what your child is allergic to. Avoiding allergens is the best treatment, but not always the easiest. Your pediatrician offers several treatment options, including:

• Prescription-strength antihistamine medications
• Prescription-strength decongestant medications
• Nasal sprays containing steroids
• Sublingual immunotherapy
• Rescue inhalers and epi-pens
• Allergy shots

To learn more about the signs and symptoms of allergies and how your pediatrician can help your child get relief, call the pediatricians at Tri-Valley Pediatrics. You can reach them in Pleasanton, CA, by calling (925) 460-8444, or in San Ramon, CA, by calling (925) 380-6230, so call now.