Pediatric Immunology

The term Pediatric Immunology/Allergy describes a subspecialty that deals with the diagnosing and treatment of infants, children and adolescents with allergies and other problems in their immune system.

A child's immune system is supposed to ﬁght off infections. If a child has allergies, in effect their immune system is reacting wrongly to things that are usually harmless. Pollen, dust, mold spores, insect stings, food and different kinds of medication are all examples of such things. The allergic reaction can manifest itself in different ways that turn in to health problems that include asthma, hay fever, hives, eczema (a rash) or a very severe and unusual reaction called anaphylaxis.

Often, when a child's immune system isn't functioning properly, they may suffer from frequent infections. When exposed to pathogens that normally cause only minor infections in children, a child with an impaired immune system may become very ill. These infections can include sinus infections ('sinusitis'), pneumonia, recurring abscesses and more.

Pediatric Immunology/Allergy Treatments Video

Pediatric Immunology Treatments

Children have a few unique factors that a pediatric immunologist takes under consideration and separates allergy treatments in children from adults:

As children cannot always tell us what is bothering them, pediatric immunologists know how to examine children who aren't able to inform them of the problem and to identify the causes.
In oppose to adults, children's immune system is still developing and changing. Pediatric Immunologists have the special and necessary knowledge to diagnose and treat conditions in children's immune systems.
As checkups can sometimes frighten children, pediatric immunologists know how to examine and then treat children in ways that helps them relax and cooperate.

Pediatric allergists/immunologists go through extensive training. After graduating from medical schools, they will complete a 3 year pediatric residency followed by an additional fellowship in an allergy and immunology program that will last between 2-3 years.

The diagnosis of allergic conditions is done by using special testing developed for this field. Treatment may combine avoiding factors causing the symptoms, oral anti-inflammatory medication and steroid injections. Allergy clinics also develop personal treatment regimens for patient's specific allergies.

Patients with immune system problems may be directed to hospitals that treat will those with immunosuppression diseases, from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients to recipients of organ transplants who require constant treatment to prevent their immune systems from rejecting the new tissue that they have received.

Pediatric Immunology Treatments Abroad

If your child is suffering from severe allergies or immune system disease and you are searching for treatment options abroad, TicketMed will be happy to assist you in finding a pediatric immunologist that matches you requirements and condition. Contact us.

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Pediatric Immunology FAQ

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Do immunology treatments differ between adults and children?

Yes they do. A pediatric immunologist must consider the fact that children's immune systems are still developing and changing and thus treatment of children will differ from adults. Often a pediatric immunologist pachildren might try different treatment methods on children.

What can I do to prevent allergies in my children?

There are a few precautions parent can take, which include cleaning all air filters in the child's environment, avoid keeping pets, avoid carpeting in the house, avoid mold and avoid products with artificial flavoring or preservatives.

What is a Pediatric Immunologist?

A pediatric immunologist is a doctor who treats allergy and other immune system problems in children of all ages. In addition to their regular medical studies, they have completed two additional training residencies. After graduating from medical schools, these physicians have to complete a 3 year pediatric residency followed by an allergy and immunology program.

What signs or symptoms can I associate to allergies with my child?

Symptoms of allergy attacks can include hives, a runny nose, itching or swelling of different organs, an upset stomach, wheezing or difficulty breathing and anaphylactic shock (an emergency condition that requires immediate care).

When should I take my child to a Pediatric Immunologist?

Patients will usually go see a pediatric immunologist upon referral from their regular pediatrician when conventional treatments do not help or when a patient is showing specific symptoms that a doctor thinks an immunologist will help. However, it is also possible to approach one on your own, without referral when noticing physical reactions to different environmental factors.

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