Allergies Specialist
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Optimum Medical, LLC
Jacques E Etienne, MD, FAAP
Pediatrician located in Danbury, CT
For children with allergies, many normal activities can quickly become distressing. Help is available through the care of Jacques Etienne, MD, FAAP, and the team at Optimum Medical, LLC, in Danbury, Connecticut. Living a healthy, active life without severe allergic reactions is possible, and that path begins with a phone call to Optimum Medical. Online scheduling is also an option, and it’s fast and easy.
Allergies Q & A
What are allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakes a harmless substance as potentially dangerous and launches a powerful immune response. Though allergic reactions are an impressive demonstration of the body’s capacity to protect itself, that is little consolation for parents struggling to soothe a symptomatic child.
Your immune system produces antibodies to fight off infection. In children with allergies, antibodies are produced to fight off substances that are not, in fact, harmful to most people (allergens).
When your child encounters those specific allergens again, the body reacts, causing symptoms that can be uncomfortable and disruptive.
What are some symptoms of allergies?
Many different allergens can trigger an allergic reaction. Knowing what to look for can help parents decide when to seek professional care.
Some of the symptoms of allergies include:
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes or nose
- Watery, swollen, or red eyes
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching skin
- Swelling in the tongue, face, or throat
These are just some of the many symptoms that can arise during an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is the most severe reaction and can be life-threatening. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, drop in blood pressure, severe shortness of breath, and a rapid, weak pulse.
What can be done to treat childhood allergies?
The first step in treating childhood allergies is determining the allergens to which your child is sensitive. If your child has food allergies, learning to avoid foods that trigger allergic reactions is a central focus.
Medications can help tame the body’s reaction to certain allergens. Drug therapy is available in the form of pills, nasal sprays, oral liquids, or eye drops.
Immunotherapy is another approach that helps your body build up a tolerance for specific allergens. Your child receives injections of carefully formulated allergen extracts to “retrain” their immune system to accept those substances without a strong reaction.
For severe allergies, carrying emergency epinephrine is important. This shot can slow a severe reaction and allow time to reach an emergency room for advanced care.
If you have questions about childhood allergies and treatment options, call Optimum Medical today to set up a visit, or use the easy online booking tool to schedule your visit.
