When should a child see an allergist?

Your child should see an allergist if they’re unwell, you think it could be allergy symptoms and you want to find out for sure. Or they’re diagnosed already but the symptoms aren’t under control and you’re worried their allergy might progress. Then it might be time to consider other treatment options.

Here are some of the wider effects of allergies in children:

• Symptoms can make it hard to concentrate and kids may do less well at school.
• Your child may have to give up favorite activities.
• Having allergies can make kids feel anxious, unhappy, and embarrased.
• It can also affect family life.

The reason to find an allergist is because they’re specially trained to diagnose and treat health problems caused by an overactive immune system. The trigger might be pollen, dust mites or a certain food. The immune system thinks the substance is a threat and tries to fight it off, and this causes your kid’s allergy symptoms.

1. Getting a diagnosis for your child: The allergist will assess your child’s allergy symptoms, their medical history and your family's medical history because allergy is often inherited. Kids may have allergy tests to help identify and confirm a specific trigger. Then the allergist will draw up a treatment plan and work with you to put it into action. You’ll get advice on how to help your child avoid their trigger and, when that isn’t possible, how to ease their symptoms.

2. Making sure they’re always on the best treatment: Allergies can change, improve or worsen with time. So kids’ treatment won’t always stay the same. Also, having one allergy makes a child more likely to get others. There’s also a risk they could go on to develop other allergies.