How your allergy doctor in Metairie, and Covington, LA, can help your child get relief from allergies

When your child has allergies, the symptoms can be much more pronounced than those of an adult. Your child’s airways are much smaller, so allergies can bring on breathing problems which can make your child miserable. Your allergy doctor can help with testing and treatment, so your child can breathe better, and live better.

Dr. Alan Sheen is an allergist who provides comprehensive allergy testing and treatment. He has two convenient office locations in Metairie, and Covington, LA, to help your child get relief from allergies.

Allergy symptoms are caused when your child is exposed to a substance known as an allergen. Allergens can come in several forms. Some of the most common allergens are:

• Grasses and trees
• Plant and flower pollens
• Pet hair and dander
• Dust mites and mold
• Peanuts, shellfish, and dairy

Exposure to an allergen can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy, runny nose
• Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
• Itchy or burning rashes
• Breathing problems
• Sore throat or nausea

The first step in allergy treatment is allergy testing, to find out what your child is allergic to. This can help with treatment and let you and your child know what to avoid to prevent an allergic reaction. Allergy testing methods include:

• Skin tests–a small amount of allergen is placed just under the skin
• Challenge tests–a small amount of allergen is inhaled or ingested
• Blood tests–a sample of blood is taken and sent off to a laboratory

Your allergy doctor may recommend several treatments to control allergy symptoms, including:

• Prescription antihistamine medications
• Prescription decongestant medications
• Steroid nasal sprays
• Sublingual immunotherapy
• Rescue inhalers and epi-pens
• Allergy shots

To discover more about helping your child manage allergy symptoms and how your allergy doctor can help, call Dr. Alan Sheen. You can reach him in the Metairie, LA, office by calling (504) 456-1999, or in Covington, LA, at (985) 246-6077, so call now.