Is your child sneezing, itching, rubbing his or her eyes? You don't think it's a cold; you suspect your child has allergies. At Bezack Pediatric Pulmonology in Commack, NY, Dr. Brian Bezack is board-certified in pediatric pulmonology. As a lung specialist, he can test your child allergies, treat them, and help your child feel better.
What are allergies?
Allergies are the body's overreaction to substances that are breathed in, touched or ingested. About 50 million Americans struggle with allergies, reports the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
In addition to skin, GI, and upper respiratory symptoms, many people develop the characteristic wheezing, fatigue, and cough of asthma. About 6 million children in the US have asthma, says the ACAAI.
Additionally, many children have life-threatening anaphylactic reactions to foods and insect vectors. As such, parents need to understand their children's allergic triggers, how to avoid them, and what medications manage symptoms.
Common allergy triggers
These substances are everywhere, but families can take steps to identify, avoid, and control triggers. Common ones include:
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Tobacco smoke
- Insect stings
- Foods (peanuts, shellfish, wheat, milk, soy, eggs)
- Medications such as penicillin and sulfa drugs
Allergy testing
At Bezack Pediatric Pulmonology in Commack, Dr. Bezack and his team provide an accurate evaluation of child allergies. After a complete physical examination and review of your child's symptoms, Dr. Bezack will use today's best tests to pinpoint the triggers and severity of your child's allergy symptoms.
Tests fall into three broad categories:
- Skin prick tests in which the doctor places a small amount of a suspected trigger on the child's arm and then pricks the skin with a fine needle. Positive tests produce a localized reaction on the skin (typically a raised red bump called a wheal).
- Blood tests when skin prick tests are not feasible.
Skin prick tests are the safest and accurate method. Once your child's physician has results, he can help you with an action plan to control symptoms, including avoidance and medications—over the counter antihistamines and decongestants, prescriptions and immunotherapy (injections) as needed.
Find out more
Get the information and treatments you need to take control of your child's allergies. Dr. Brian Bezack and his team at Bezack Pediatric Pulmonology in Commack, NY, are ready to help. Call today for a consultation: (631) 499-1298.