Allergy Symptoms in Children

Do you suspect that your son or daughter has allergies? Allergy testing provided by your Smyrna, Lithonia, and Clarkston, GA, pediatricians at Decatur Pediatric Group can help you determine what's causing your child's symptoms.

Allergy symptoms in children

Since some of the same symptoms occur whether your child has allergies or a cold, it's not always easy to figure out which condition is the source of the problem. Colds and upper respiratory viruses usually get better and go away within a week or two. Unfortunately, allergy symptoms continue as long as your child is exposed to allergens.

Allergens are harmless substances that trigger allergic symptoms in your child. Common allergens include grass and tree pollen, dust, mold spores, food, cockroaches, and animal dander. Your child can develop allergies at any point in his or her life.

Symptoms that may mean that your child has allergies include:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Post-nasal drip
• Coughing, particularly at night
• Wheezing
• Headaches
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Hoarse voice
• Fatigue
• Frequent throat clearing
• Red, watery, itchy eyes

How are allergies diagnosed?

If the pediatrician suspects that your child has allergies during your visit to the Smyrna, Lithonia, or Clarkston, GA, pediatric office, she may recommend one of these types of allergy tests:

• Skin Prick Test: The doctor will prick your child's skin with tiny pins and apply a special liquid to the pricks. The liquid contains small amounts of common allergens. If your child is allergic to a particular allergen, the corresponding spot will become red and itchy.
• Intradermal Test: In some cases, your child may still have allergies even if the skin prick test was negative. If the test is negative, but your child's pediatrician suspects that allergies are responsible for the symptoms, she may recommend an intradermal test. The test involves injecting small amounts of allergens into your child's skin. A raised red spot indicates an allergy.

If your child is diagnosed with allergies, his or her pediatrician can recommend helpful treatments, including antihistamines, decongestants, nasal spray, eye drops or immunotherapy.

Are your child's allergies making him or her miserable? Allergy treatment offered at the Smyrna, Lithonia, and Clarkston, GA, offices of Decatur Pediatric Group can ease your child's symptoms. Call (404) 296-7133 to schedule an appointment for your son or daughter.