Allergies in Dallas, TX
Allergies can interfere with your child’s enjoyment of certain activities, such as playing outdoors when seasonal allergies are most severe. Symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and a scratchy throat can cause discomfort. At Oak Cliff Children’s Clinic in Dallas, Dr. Kanase can recommend treatment options for easing the symptoms of your child’s allergies.
Common Allergy Symptoms
Allergies can produce many different symptoms, from a runny nose to sinus congestion. The specific symptoms your child develops can depend on the cause of the allergy. Allergies can be caused by a variety of allergens, including certain foods, medications, pollen, dust, dander, and mold. Examples of symptoms commonly experienced in association with various allergies include:
- Skin rashes or hives
- Runny nose or sneezing
- Sinus congestion
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or coughing
- Swelling in the mouth, eyes, or face
Allergy Tests
Allergy tests are an effective method for identifying the specific allergens affecting your child. Once allergens are known, your child’s allergies can be formally diagnosed and the doctor can develop an appropriate treatment plan. Allergy tests commonly involve testing an area of the skin to see if an allergic reaction occurs following exposure to a particular allergen. Rashes, hives, or other skin reactions, for example, are an indication that your child is sensitive to an allergen and could benefit from allergy treatment.
Allergy Treatments
Some allergy symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications. However, immunotherapy is a treatment option for diminishing the effects of an allergen over time so medication is not needed. Immunotherapy involves repeatedly exposing the body to small doses of an allergen so the body can build up tolerance to it. As tolerance increases, the body will eventually become practically immune to that allergen so your child will experience fewer allergy symptoms.
Immunotherapy can be delivered by injection or through a method referred to as sublingual immunotherapy. Injections involve getting a shot containing a small dose of a specific allergen. With sublingual immunotherapy, drops of allergen extract are placed under the tongue. With repeated applications of either method, the body will slowly build up its tolerance to the specific allergen until it no longer produces an allergic reaction in your child.
Allergies can make your child feel miserable when symptoms persist. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help. For help managing the symptoms of your child’s allergies, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kanase by calling Oak Cliff Children’s Clinic at (214) 467-7377.