An allergy occurs when the body's immune system has an exaggerated reaction to a usually harmless substance. The most common causes of allergies are dust mites, molds, pollen, pets with fur or feathers, stinging insects, and some kinds of foods. The body reacts to the substance by releasing chemicals, one of which is called histamine. The results of this reaction may include runny nose, congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, and ear itching or popping. Asthma may occur in some children.
The best way to prevent or control your child's allergy symptoms is to help him or her avoid the allergen, the substance that triggers the allergy. An allergist is a doctor trained to identify which substances are causing your child's allergy, and he or she can treat and help you prevent your child's allergy symptoms.
One way an allergist can determine the causes of your child's allergies is by testing your child's reaction to specific allergens by skin or blood tests. Based on the test results, your child's doctor may recommend treatments including medications as well as a plan for avoiding exposure to allergens. If control of your child's environment and treatment with basic allergy medications are not successful, allergy shots may be recommended as the next step.
Updated and reviewed by: William J. Geimeier, MD
Date reviewed: May 2007
My daughter Ania took allergy shots for 2 years off and on we were taking her to the clinic twice a week. The thing I noticed most is that she had dryer sinuses. She would often have a dry cough as well. It is TRUE that many of the allergies we face today are chemical related. These chemicals are triggered by everyday household cleaners and products. The most noted thing for me out of the above article is to change and or control the environment in your home. Treating allergies everyday is a must and using natural ingredients that enhance personal and environmental wellness really helps.
We stopped using chemicals and replaced personal care items with natural ingredients and our allergies were under control. My husband no longer takes the decongestants that impact his heart, he was taking them daily. My kids no longer take over the counter meds and visit the doctor three to four times a year. Is this just coincidence? I don't think so. OUR results are real and are proven more each year that we DON'T take allergy shots and meds.
Angelique Bartholomew J.D.
http://www.healthy-us.com
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