Allergies

Allergies are a widespread concern, especially among children. Nearly 30% of children experience allergy symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, when left untreated. At Merritt Pediatrics in San Antonio, Texas, board-certified pediatrician Christina Merritt, MD, offers treatments that ease nasal congestion, itchy eyes, rashes, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms. Schedule an allergy evaluation with Dr. Merritt by phone or request one online today.

What are allergies?

Allergies cause the body’s immune system to overreact to common substances, such as pollen, cockroaches, pet dander, mold, dust mites, certain foods, medications, or insect stings.

These reactions can be minor nuisances or become severe and life-threatening if left unaddressed. Allergic reactions occur because the immune system overreacts to substances that aren’t usually a problem. See Dr. Merritt if your child struggles with troublesome symptoms of allergies or asthma.

Which symptoms can allergies cause?

Allergies can cause:

• Itchy skin
• Rash
• Hives
• Sniffling
• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Swelling
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic coughing
• Wheezing
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency that causes difficulty breathing, airway swelling, low blood pressure, and other dangerous symptoms. 

While the cause of allergies isn’t entirely clear, risk factors include a family history of allergies, asthma, and eczema. Children are at a higher risk of developing allergies.

How are allergies diagnosed?

Dr. Merritt diagnoses allergies by discussing your child’s symptoms and medical history. She completes a physical exam and offers skin prick testing, patch testing, blood work, and other allergy tests to determine what your child could be allergic to.

During patch testing, your child wears a patch on their skin for several days to determine if specific allergens cause a reaction. Skin prick tests involve poking your child’s skin and placing potential allergens on the area to see if they cause a red, raised bump.

Dr. Merritt might also suggest breathing tests to screen for asthma or food challenge tests to learn which foods, if any, might be causing symptoms.

How are allergies treated?

Treating allergies with the help of Dr. Merritt can include avoiding specific allergens, taking oral allergy medication, using a nasal spray or inhaler, receiving allergy shots, trying oral or sublingual immunotherapy, or carrying an epinephrine pen in case of a severe allergic reaction. Keep your home clean to reduce dust, and change your air filters regularly.

Dr. Merritt personalizes your child’s allergy treatment to their unique needs. She follows up to ensure symptom relief and the best possible quality of life.

Schedule an allergy evaluation at Merritt Pediatrics by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.