Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology is a specialized medical field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of immune-mediated allergic disorders in children. The area of study covers a wide range of conditions, including food allergies, asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis, and primary immunodeficiencies. Pediatric allergists and immunologists use sophisticated diagnostic techniques such as skin prick tests, serum IgE measurements, and component-resolved diagnostics to identify specific triggers. Treatment options include pharmacotherapy, allergen immunotherapy, nutritional counseling, and individualized care plans tailored to the child’s immune profile.

What is Pediatric Allergy and Immunology?

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology is a branch of medicine involved in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic and immune-system disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. It focuses on understanding how the developing immune system responds to allergens and infections. The specialty aims to provide early diagnosis, comprehensive management, and preventive strategies, ultimately improving the quality of life and long-term health outcomes of children with allergic or immunological conditions.

Pediatric Allergy Services Deal with Which Diseases?

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology services deal with numerous disorders of allergies and immune system related to childhood. These disorders include common atopic diseases to more complicated dysfunctions of the immune system. The unit offers both long-term and diagnostic treatment strategies based on the needs of children.

Common Conditions:

• Food allergy (milk, egg, peanuts, roof nuts, shellfish, etc.)
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Asthma
• Urticaria and angioedema
• Drug allergies
• Insect venom allergies
• Primary immunodeficiency diseases
• Recurrent infections or chronic infections
• Gastrointestinal diseases Eosinophilic

Diagnostic Approaches in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

Diagnostic evaluation in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology aims to determine allergen sensitivities and assess the function of the immune system. Specialists integrate clinical history with evidence-based diagnostic tests to establish accurate diagnoses. The choice of each method depends on the child’s symptoms, age, and the suspected condition.

• Skin Prick Testing (SPT)
• Intradermal testing
• Serum-specific IgE measurement
• Component-Resolved Diagnostics (CRD)
• Patch testing for delayed-type reactions
• Oral Food Challenge (OFC)
• Spirometry and pulmonary function tests
• Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) testing
• Genetic testing for primary immunodeficiency
• Flow cytometry–based immune profiling
• Complete blood count and immunological panel

Treatment Modalities in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

Treatment is to minimize the symptoms, avoid complications, and enhance daily functioning. Management plans are very specific as they consider the allergen exposure, severity of the disease and the immunologic status of the child. The treatments can be both long-term control and acute intervention plans.

Treatment Methods:

• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids (topical, inhaled, oral)
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists
• Biologic therapies (e.g., omalizumab, dupilumab)
• Immunomodulators
• Allergen immunotherapy (SCIT, SLIT)
• Epinephrine auto-injector training for anaphylaxis
• Acute asthma management protocols
• Elimination diets and nutritional counseling
• Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for food allergies
• Environmental allergen control strategies
• Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (for immunodeficiency)
• Probiotic or microbiome-supportive therapies

Frequently Asked Questions Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

What age can allergy testing be performed in children?

Allergy tests may be conducted during any age including infancy considering that there is a valid clinical indication. Young children are safe and reliable when tested by skin tests and blood tests.

Do food allergies resolve on their own over time?

Other food allergies like milk or egg allergy tend to fade away as age advances. Others such as the allergies to peanut or tree nuts have more chances to persist.

Is allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) safe for children?

Yes, it is true that allergen immunotherapy is tolerable in children when done under medical guidance. It is useful in the prevention of allergen sensitivity in the long term.

In which cases are biologic therapies recommended for children?

Biologic treatment is indicated in children with moderate to severe asthma, chronic urticaria or atopic dermatitis, which is not responding to conventional therapy. They attack the particular immune pathways to enhance control of the disease.

Should medications be discontinued before allergy testing?

Antihistamines and some medications can also be required to be discontinued prior to skin testing to prevent false-negative.