What To Know About Allergies
You have been noticing your child sounds thicker in the morning, with a light cough and watery eyes. The symptoms then go away during the day, only to return in the evening and worsen before your child falls asleep. You suspect that your child has allergies but are unsure of how to treat them. Dr. John Vann, Dr. Tricia Schmit, and Nurse Practitioner, Nicholle Bruhn of Omaha Childrens Clinic, located in Omaha, NE, are ready to meet with you and your child about their suspected allergies.
What Is an Allergen?
When your child's body comes into contact with an allergen, the allergen can trigger a reaction in which immunoglobulin E (IgE) is produced to bind to the mast cell.
Together, these two items find the offending allergen and release histamine. This histamine causes allergic reactions. These are some commonly seen reactions to histamine release.
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Body itching, localized, widespread (usually a food allergy)
- Swelling in the face, hands, body
- Nausea/vomiting
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Welts/hives
Allergy Triggers
According to Omaha Childrens Clinic, located in Omaha, NE, these are some common allergies causing histamine release.
- Pet Proteins
-Allergy researchers find that pet proteins found in pets' dander, saliva, and bodily fluids trigger allergies. - Dust Mites
- Tiny bugs, like spiders and having eight legs, live in dusty fabric spaces, triggering a reaction to the allergen. - Molds
- Lightweight spores can float in the air like pollen, and when you breathe in these spores, they may trigger an allergic reaction. - Insect Stings
- Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, occur when flying insects like ants, bees, hornets, and spiders sting your child. This venomous bite requires immediate and possible life-threatening medical attention. - Other allergic triggers like grass, pollen, and latex can create allergy symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment of an Allergies in Omaha, NE
To receive a definitive diagnosis of your child's allergy, we can refer your child to an allergist who specializes in diagnosing the type of allergy your child has and what is needed to treat it. We arrive at a diagnosis through a blood test to identify the IgE markers in the blood or by skin prick testing. Blood tests are not as sensitive to the allergens as a skin prick test.
Once we identify your child's allergy triggers, we can start treatment, usually a medication regimen. Medicines may include antihistamines and nasal sprays. Daily rescue inhalers, decongestants, and nasal saline may be necessary if your child is asthmatic. There are also allergy shots for more severe allergies.
Call Dr. John Vann, Dr. Tricia Schmit, and Nurse Practitioner, Nicholle Bruhn of Omaha Childrens Clinic in Omaha, NE, at (402) 330-5690 to schedule a consultation to manage childhood allergies.