Allergies are a common condition in children, but not one you want to impact their lives. Dr. Farnoush Jamali, Dr. Hanieh Jafarieh, and our team at Prime Pediatrics in Gaithersburg, serving Rockville and Germantown, MD, are passionate about finding the best treatment methods so that children can enjoy their childhood and grow into healthy adults.
Allergies in Children
Children should be free to be children – to run and play without interference from medical and health issues. Unfortunately, millions miss out on activities, quality sleep, and more due to issues such as allergies.
Allergic reactions occur when the immune system mistakes an otherwise harmless item as a threat. This leads to a natural response to fight off the perceived threat during which the immune system floods the child’s body with histamines. Unfortunately, this process can cause inflammation, which leads to symptoms such as:
- Red, watery, itchy eyes
- Coughing and wheezing
- Symptoms of a cold
- Headaches
- Sore throat
Such symptoms are often no more than a chronic irritation. However, in some cases, they can trigger asthma and cause anaphylaxis, which can be potentially fatal.
Allergy Triggers
The perceived threat that leads to an allergic reaction is highly dependent on the child, as triggers can vary. For some, it’s specific foods, such as peanuts or tree nuts. For some, it’s things like mold, pollen, dust mites, animal dander, or insect bites and stings. Latex, detergents, and medications might also play a role.
Allergy Diagnosis
As with any other condition, a proper diagnosis is required to ensure the best treatment. There are several types of testing available to determine the type of allergy your child has. These include skin tests, blood tests, elimination diet, challenge tests, and more.
How Our Team Can Help
At Prime Pediatrics in Gaithersburg, serving Rockville and Germantown, MD, we are dedicated to providing treatment for children so that they can live happier, healthier lives. Dr. Jamali and Dr. Jafarieh will work to achieve a full diagnosis and explain the results of any testing. They’ll then work with you to identify triggers, make a plan to avoid them, and recommend medication and immunotherapy when needed.
If you suspect your child has allergies, Dr. Jamali, Dr. Jafarieh, and our team at Prime Pediatrics in Gaithersburg, serving Rockville and Germantown, MD, are committed to finding the most effective treatment and management plan for their needs. Call (301) 977-2440 to schedule an appointment today.