Allergy Specialist

Kansas City Pediatrics

Pediatrics located in Leawood, KS

For school-aged children, mild, moderate, or severe allergic reactions account for about two million missed school days a year. Scott Dattel, MD, FAAP, and the team at Kansas City Pediatrics, located in Kansas City, Missouri, offer treatment and support for you and your child when they have food, seasonal, or other allergies. For a consultation and personalized treatment plan, call or book online.

Allergy Q & A

What is an allergy? 

An allergy is a hyperactive immune reaction to something that the body sees as harmful. If your child has allergies, they may have mild to life-threatening reactions to something they have eaten, breathed in, been bitten by, or touched.  

Allergies may place your child at higher risk for also having asthma, eczema, psoriasis, and frequent respiratory infections. Allergies may improve as they age or may increase in severity over time.

Whether your child's reactions are mild, moderate, or severe, Kansas City Pediatrics can diagnose their allergies, help you prevent exposure to their triggers, and treat their allergy symptoms. 

What are the most common allergy triggers?

The trigger for an allergic reaction is called an allergen. Common allergens include: 

  • Environmental - mold, pollen, or dust mites
  • Skin contact - soaps, latex, or plants
  • Animals - pet dander or animal hair
  • Food - nuts, milk, or eggs
  • Insects - bees, cockroaches, or ants

Your child's triggers are unique to them. They may react to different food or other allergens besides these, and they may respond to more than one trigger. An essential aspect of allergy treatment includes identifying your child's specific allergens and avoiding exposure whenever possible. 

What are the symptoms of allergies? 

Your child's reactions to their triggers are also unique to them. Allergy reactions may range from a mild skin reaction to life-threatening respiratory distress. 

Mild or moderate allergy symptoms include:

  • Stuffy nose
  • Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
  • Red or watery eyes
  • Coughing
  • Hoarseness
  • Skin rash or hives
  • Nausea or tummy ache 
  • Diarrhea

A severe anaphylactic reaction could include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Throat tightness
  • Swelling 
  • Lightheadedness 
  • Loss of consciousness

An anaphylactic reaction is a severe medical condition that needs immediate treatment. If your child has severe allergies, the team at Kansas City Pediatrics orders rescue medications, like an epinephrine injection, to keep with them at all times in case of exposure.

How are allergies diagnosed? 

To diagnosis your child's allergies and develop a personalized treatment plan, your Kansas City Pediatrics practitioner takes the time to understand your child's triggers and reactions. They may ask questions related to: 

  • Specific symptoms they experience
  • Severity of symptoms
  • Food they ate before symptoms started
  • Duration of symptoms
  • Brands of creams or soaps
  • The location where symptoms started
  • New food or hygiene products
  • Medical or allergy history

Their practitioner may order allergy testing, which uses controlled exposure to allergens to determine if and how severely your child may be allergic to a substance to determine the best treatment.

Allergy treatments include:

  • Limiting exposure to allergens
  • Medications
  • Antihistamines
  • Topical creams
  • Allergy shots

For diagnosis and ongoing support for your child's allergies, call or schedule an appointment with Kansas City Pediatrics.