Children’s Allergies

There are steps to potentially prevent allergies from developing in children.

  • What is it
  • Prevention – Food
  • Prevention – Environmental

Children’s Allergies

What is it

Allergies and asthma tend to run in families.  Children where one or both parents have an allergic disease are more likely to develop these conditions. Fortunately, there are steps that may delay or possibly prevent allergies or asthma from developing.

Children’s Allergies

Prevention – Food

Food allergies can cause problems ranging from eczema to life-threatening allergic reactions. The eight most common foods associated with this phenomenon are: cow’s milk, soy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, and wheat; but any food can cause these reactions.

Infants at risk for developing food allergy are those with a biological parent or sibling with existing, or history of, allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, or food allergy. Restricting a mother’s diet during pregnancy and while breastfeeding have been tried as approaches to protecting against food allergies, but they have not been proven to be effective. Breast milk is the least likely to trigger an allergic reaction, and it strengthens an infant’s immune system. Experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first four to six months.

For infants at risk for food allergy, who are not exclusively breastfed, the use of hydrolyzed infant formulas instead of cow’s milk formula, may be considered as a preventive strategy. After four to six months, single-ingredient infant foods including fruits, vegetables and cereal grains can be introduced one at a time. This slow process gives parents or caregivers a chance to identify and eliminate any food that causes an allergic reaction.

The introduction of solid foods should not be delayed beyond 4 to 6 months of age. Delaying the introduction of potentially allergenic foods, even in infants at risk for food allergy, has not been clearly shown to be beneficial.

Children’s Allergies

Prevention – Environmental

Dust Mites

Since some airborne substances may trigger allergy or asthma symptoms, reducing contact with these substances early in life may delay or prevent allergy or asthma symptoms. Research for this is clearest with dust mites. If your child is at high risk of developing allergies, there are steps you can take to control dust mites.

Use zippered, “allergen-impermeable” covers on pillows and mattresses and wash bedding in hot water weekly. Indoor humidity should be kept below 50%. If possible, carpets and upholstered furniture should be removed from your infant’s bedroom.

Pets and Other Animals

The relationship between early life exposure to animals and the development of allergies and asthma is somewhat confusing. Previous evidence suggested that children exposed to animals early in life are more likely to develop allergies and asthma. More recent research seems to show that early exposure to animals (cats and dogs in particular) may actually protect children from developing these diseases. Newer research also suggests children raised on farms develop fewer allergies and asthma.

Tobacco Smoke

It is very important not to expose your children to tobacco smoke before or after birth. Smoking during pregnancy increases the chance of your child wheezing during infancy. Exposing children to secondhand smoke has also been shown to increase the development of asthma and other chronic respiratory illnesses.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Infections that start in the lungs are common triggers of asthma. Since breastfeeding for at least four to six months strengthens a child’s immune systems, it is helpful in avoiding these infections and, in the long term, asthma.

Indoor Allergies
Eye Allergies
Food Allergies
Anaphylaxis
Children’s Allergies
Drug Allergies
Outdoor Allergies
Skin Allergies
General Allergies

“My son has been going to Dr. Mery for over a year.  I always appreciate how attentive the nurses are to him when checking him out before he is released after his shot.  This office is very clean and organized as well.”

Stephanie H.

“My whole family goes to Dr. Mery.  He has been a major factor in our family’s health and well-being.  Dr. Mery is compassionate and understanding.  He is determined to help those who come to see him and truly cares for his patients.”

Susan D.

“Hill Country Allergy has been a very good experience for me these last few weeks. A great team has been providing me with a thorough job of evaluating my allergy needs and implementing a specific plan to reach my specific goal of setting my allergies under control. All staff is efficient, courteous, and very knowledgeable of my specific concerns. I am very pleased with my current service.”

Sandra B.

“The staff at Hill Country Allergy & Asthma is nothing short of amazing. They greet you with a smile and they actually remember my name; you are not just another face. They are patient and take the time to explain things even if you ask them the same questions every other time you are there. The technicians providing the shots are extremely careful and service is usually quick due to the check in system they utilize. They are well organized, with excellent customer service.”

Ditrell B.

“Whenever Julie is the one who gives me my shot, I almost look forward to getting the shot. Her sunny disposition brightens my day. I did say that it almost makes me want to get a shot!”

Bob B.

“I have been very pleased with the great care I have received from Dr. Mery, as well as his entire staff. They are all great!”

Cindy M.

“I look forward to getting my allergy shots every month. The office staff is so friendly and professional. It is a very nice and relaxed atmosphere too.”

Maria B.

“Dr. Mery saved me! I struggled for months with a skin reaction that three other doctors were unable to get under control.  It was clear from the onset that Dr. Mery is truly invested in his patients as he spent so much time with me trying to understand my situation and helped me tremendously with my condition.  Dr. Mery and his staff genuinely care for their patients!”

Krista H.

“My son saw Dr. Mery years ago for his bad allergies.  He was tested, started shots and has been on shots for a couple of years now.  We cannot begin to express our gratitude to HCAA for helping our family.  Our son is completely different kid – he can now play on sports teams and enjoy playing outside with his buddies!  THANK YOU DR. MERY!”

Sandy H.