Which Department Should You Visit for Childhood Allergies?

Which Department or Doctor Should You See for Childhood Allergies?

Allergic diseases are quite common in children, and with proper treatment, symptoms can often be brought largely under control. However, parents may not always know which doctor they should consult when their child develops symptoms suggestive of an allergy. In this article, we will discuss the medical specialties involved in childhood allergies and when it is appropriate to consult a specialist.

Which Department Treats Allergies in Children?

The most appropriate department to consult for allergic reactions in children is Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, and the relevant specialist is a Pediatric Allergist and Immunologist.

Immunology means the “science of the immune system.” Allergic diseases are also closely related to the way the immune system functions. Physicians who specialize in this field diagnose and treat allergic diseases that occur during childhood.

How Does a Doctor Become a Pediatric Allergist?

In Türkiye, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology is a subspecialty of Pediatrics. Physicians who become Pediatric Allergy and Immunology specialists first complete six years of medical school, followed by four years of specialty training in Pediatrics. During this period, they evaluate and manage children who are hospitalized or seen in outpatient clinics together with experienced faculty members and receive comprehensive training in pediatric diseases.

After becoming a pediatrician, a physician must pass the subspecialty examination to qualify for training in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. During the following three years, the physician focuses specifically on children and adolescents with allergic diseases and immune system deficiencies, both in outpatient clinics and inpatient hospital services, while receiving specialized training in these conditions.

After successfully completing the examination at the end of this three-year training period, the physician earns the title of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Specialist.

However, because a pediatric allergist may not be available in every hospital, other medical departments may also be involved in the evaluation and treatment process in certain situations:

Pediatrics: This department can be consulted for the initial evaluation. If your pediatrician suspects that your child may have an allergic disease, they may refer you to a pediatric allergy specialist.
Pulmonology: This department may also become involved in respiratory allergies such as asthma. However, the specialist should be a pediatric pulmonologist.
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT): ENT specialists may assist in conditions involving the upper respiratory tract, such as allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.
Dermatology: Dermatologists may evaluate skin-related allergic conditions such as eczema or urticaria (hives).
If your child has symptoms suggesting an allergic condition, consulting a Pediatric Allergy Specialist is generally recommended for the most appropriate evaluation and treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergies in Children?

An allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to a substance that is normally harmless. Some of the most common allergic symptoms in children include:

1. Respiratory Allergies

Persistent runny and/or blocked nose
Sneezing and nasal itching
Watery, itchy, or red eyes
Wheezing and shortness of breath
Nighttime coughing and a feeling of tightness in the chest

Possible conditions: Allergic rhinitis, asthma

2. Skin Allergies

Redness, itching, and skin rashes
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Hives (urticaria)

Possible conditions: Atopic dermatitis, urticaria, contact dermatitis

3. Food Allergies

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation
Itching or skin rashes
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
Coughing, wheezing, hoarseness, shortness of breath, or anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction)

Possible conditions: Food allergy, lactose intolerance

4. Drug and Insect or Bee Sting Allergies

Skin redness or rash
Swelling and itching
Shortness of breath and risk of anaphylaxis

If your child develops any of these symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, altered consciousness, or signs of anaphylaxis, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately.

Allergy Tests and Diagnostic Methods in Children

Depending on the child’s symptoms and medical history, a pediatric allergy specialist may perform various tests:

Skin Prick Test: This is one of the most commonly used allergy tests. Potential allergens are introduced into the uppermost layer of the skin using a small pointed device, and the skin reaction is then evaluated. The reaction is assessed according to the size of the raised area that develops on the skin. For this swelling to be considered meaningful, redness around it should also be present.

Specific IgE Blood Test: A blood sample is taken to identify substances that may be causing an allergic reaction.

Oral Food Challenge Test: In suspected food allergies, the suspected food is given to the child in a controlled medical setting, and any reactions are carefully monitored.

Pulmonary Function Tests: These tests are performed in children when asthma is suspected.

Atopy Patch Test: In patients with contact dermatitis, this test is applied to the back to investigate allergic reactions to certain chemical substances.

Treatment Methods for Allergies in Children

Treatment of allergies in children is generally considered under three main approaches: avoiding triggers, medication, and immunotherapy (allergy vaccination).

1. Avoiding Triggers

Using anti-allergy covers for mattresses and pillows and taking other appropriate precautions to reduce house dust mites
Reducing contact with pets in children who are sensitive to pet allergens
Keeping windows closed during pollen season and wearing glasses when outdoors
Avoiding foods that contain allergens in children with food allergies

2. Medication

Antihistamines: Used for conditions such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
Corticosteroids: These may be used as nasal sprays for allergic rhinitis, eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis, skin creams for atopic dermatitis, or inhaled medications for asthma.
Bronchodilators: Used to widen the airways in children with asthma and in infants who experience wheezing episodes.

3. Allergy Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy may be used as a long-term treatment, particularly for conditions such as pollen allergy, house dust mite allergy, and bee venom allergy.

Immunotherapy for allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis should generally continue for at least three years, while immunotherapy for bee venom allergy should continue for at least five years.

Controlled amounts of the allergen are introduced into the body either orally or by subcutaneous injection so that the immune system can gradually develop tolerance to the allergen.

When Should You See a Doctor for Childhood Allergies?

Consultation with a pediatric allergy specialist is recommended in the following situations:

If your child has persistent or recurrent nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, shortness of breath, episodes of wheezing, or coughing
If your child develops skin rashes, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, or shortness of breath after eating certain foods
If skin reactions such as eczema or hives have persisted for a long time or recur frequently
If symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or an itchy nose become worse during pollen season
If your child experiences shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness
If an infant develops eczema-like rashes, vomiting, restlessness, reflux, or similar symptoms related to an allergenic food consumed by the breastfeeding mother

If your child has one or more of these symptoms, it is important to consult a Pediatric Allergy Specialist as soon as possible.

Allergies in infants and children can often be largely controlled with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology specialists diagnose your child’s allergic condition and develop the most suitable treatment plan.

As a parent, recognizing your child’s allergy symptoms at an early stage and consulting the appropriate healthcare professional can help support a healthier life for your child.