Allergies

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Allergies are common in children and require immediate attention for effective treatment and management.

It’s essential to look out for signs and symptoms that may indicate an allergy or allergic reaction in your child so that we can catch it early on and draft a preventative action plan.

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Symptoms of allergies

Allergies come in various forms, but these are the most common signs to look out for in your little one:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• A runny nose
• Rashes
• Itchy eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach cramps

Should your child be experiencing one or more of these symptoms, contact me for a consultation and I will do a screening test to determine the cause and type of allergy and provide treatment.

Types of allergies

I help treat various types of allergies in children, most notably food allergies, hay fever and nasal congestion.

Food allergies

Common food allergies that children experience include peanuts, eggs, milk, wheat, fish, soy and shellfish. Children often outgrow food allergies, but certain food allergies can last a lifetime and require constant surveillance and dietary management to avoid the specific food type.

In severe allergies, there is a risk of anaphylaxis when ingesting the food, and this impairs breathing and low blood pressure. In these cases, I prescribe adrenaline in the form of an auto-injector that you or your child carry at all times should symptoms flare up.

Hay fever

Hay fever or allergic rhinitis is an allergy condition caused by pollen in the air during specific seasons of the year. Your child may experience a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and postnasal drip. Hay fever is an uncomfortable condition that reoccurs through flare-ups.

If your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact me for an appointment, and I can prescribe treatment in the form of medication and antihistamines.

Nasal congestion

Nasal congestion can be a recurring symptom in children with allergies. This leads to a heavily blocked nose, meaning your little one can only breathe through their mouth and may struggle to sleep as a result. In these cases, it’s best to catch the issue early to provide early treatment and prevent further problems.

Treatment for allergies

No parent enjoys seeing their child struggle, so if your child is showing signs of allergies, visit me for a consultation, and I will diagnose and treat their symptoms.

During your child’s appointment, I will perform an allergy screening which may include skin prick tests to determine what causes the symptoms. I will also ask for a detailed medical history and questions about your child’s symptoms and reactions to specific foods, dust, pollen or substances.

Treatment for your child’s allergy condition may differ depending on the type of allergy. However, the general treatments I provide include:

• Dietary management of food allergies and intolerances
• Prescriptions for symptoms and skin reactions
• Antihistamine prescription for inhalant allergies