Are there special allergy treatments for children?
July 12, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Wilhelm Endres
Dear allergist,
I am reaching out to you because I am very concerned about my child's allergy. My son, Elias, is 6 years old and has been suffering from strong allergic reactions for some time now. Whenever he comes into contact with certain foods or pollen, he shows symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.
We have already taken various measures to alleviate the allergy symptoms, such as avoiding certain foods and using antihistamines. However, these measures seem to only provide limited relief and Elias is still suffering from the unpleasant symptoms.
Therefore, my question to you is: Are there specific allergy treatments tailored to children? What options are available to effectively treat my son's allergy and improve his quality of life? Are immunotherapies or other specific treatments suitable for children and how safe are they?
I am very worried about Elias and would like to help him get his allergy under control. I hope you can provide me with valuable information and recommendations to find the best possible treatment for my child.
Thank you in advance for your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
Xenia Brandes
Dear Mrs. Brandes,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an allergist. I am sorry to hear that your son Elias is suffering from severe allergic reactions and that the previous measures have only provided limited help. It is understandable that you are concerned about the well-being of your child and are seeking effective treatment options.
First and foremost, it is important to know that allergies in children are not uncommon and often begin in childhood. The symptoms you describe, such as skin rashes, itching, sneezing, and breathing difficulties, indicate an allergic reaction that may be due to specific triggers such as food or pollen.
Regarding specific allergy treatments for children, there are various approaches that can be applied depending on the type of allergy and the individual needs of the child. One option is allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy vaccination. This treatment slowly exposes the child's immune system to the allergen trigger to reduce reactions.
Immunotherapy can be effective for allergic reactions to pollen as well as food allergies. However, it is important to note that this treatment is typically carried out over a longer period and requires regular medical examinations to monitor safety and effectiveness.
In addition to immunotherapy, there are other treatment options such as the use of medications like antihistamines, corticosteroids, or asthma inhalers to control symptoms. Furthermore, careful allergen avoidance, that is, avoiding triggers, can help reduce discomfort.
It is important for the child's treatment to be individualized and done in close consultation with an experienced allergist. Therefore, I recommend scheduling an appointment with a pediatric allergist to receive a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan for Elias.
I hope this information helps you and gives you the courage to effectively treat your son's allergy and improve his quality of life. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need support.
Sincerely,
Wilhelm Endres, Allergist
