Allergies Specialist
Rise & Shine Pediatrics
Pediatric Care located in South Plainfield, NJ
An allergy can be scary for both you and your child, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be that way. Kalpana Kumari, MD, FAAP, and the expert pediatricians at Rise & Shine Pediatrics in South Plainfield, New Jersey, diagnose and treat allergies using the most effective and noninvasive methods available in the medical field today. An allergy doesn’t have to hold your child back from enjoying their life to the fullest. Book an appointment using the online scheduler or by calling the office nearest you now. Rise & Shine Pediatrics serves the communities of Edison and Woodbridge.
Allergies Q & A
What are the most common allergies in children?
There are many different allergies that are common in children, including:
Environmental allergies
Environmental allergies that commonly affect children include pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites.
Food allergies
Some common food allergies among children include milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. Children often outgrow milk and egg allergies, but peanut and tree nut allergies tend to persist into adulthood.
Stinging insect allergies
Stinging insect allergies can include yellow jackets, honey bees, wasps, fire ants, and hornets.
Skin allergies
Children can experience an allergic reaction to things like latex in balloons and bandages, soap, or laundry detergent. Eczema is a common childhood allergic skin condition that causes inflamed, bumpy, and itchy skin after exposure to a trigger like soap.
Many of these allergy triggers can also cause asthma flare-ups, so it’s not unusual for children to suffer from both conditions at once.
How does allergy testing for kids work?
Allergy testing for children depends on the type of suspected allergy and your child’s specific situation.
- Skin test: controlled exposure to an allergen through small skin punctures
- Patch test: controlled exposure to an allergen through skin patches
- Blood test: checks allergen-specific antibodies in the blood
- Elimination test: dietary changes to check for food allergies
The Rise & Shine Pediatrics team always puts your child’s safety and comfort first, and only recommends the tests needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
How are allergies treated in children?
Just as there are many different allergies, there are a number of approaches to treatment. For environmental allergies, immunotherapy, better known as allergy shots, may be the best way to keep your child comfortable. Medication may be another option.
Food allergies are best handled by strictly avoiding the substance in question, but your child’s Rise & Shine Pediatrics doctor will also recommend ways to cope with unintended exposure. This may include medication for milder reactions or an epinephrine auto-injector for accidental exposure in severe food allergies.
Skin allergy treatment depends on the particular allergen. If your child suffers from an allergic skin condition like eczema, the doctor may recommend topical treatments or oral medication along with lifestyle changes.
The Rise & Shine Pediatrics team is ready to guide your child to freedom from allergies. Book an appointment online or by phone today.