Pediatric Allergies

Childhood allergies are common. Depending on your child’s allergy diagnosis and allergens they’re sensitive to, their reactions can affect them seasonally or year-round. If your child has allergies, they may need more medical care or need to limit certain activities or foods to reduce exposure to allergens and control their symptoms.

Understanding your child’s allergy is important. The allergy specialists at AHN Pediatrics have the diagnostic expertise to understand the cause of your child’s symptoms and the treatment options to help them feel better again.

What causes allergies in children?

Allergies happen when your child’s immune system is activated by normally harmless substances. This can cause watery eyes, runny nose, skin rashes or blisters, or an upset stomach. Some common allergens include:

  • Bee stings or insect bites.
  • Certain medications (such as penicillin).
  • Dust mites or particles.
  • Eggs.
  • Fish or shellfish.
  • Latex.
  • Milk.
  • Mold and mildew.
  • Peanuts.
  • Pet dander.
  • Plants and plant pollen.
  • Scented soaps or perfume.
  • Soy products.
  • Tree nuts.
  • Wheat.

Allergic reactions to these substances can range from mild (watery eyes, runny nose, or a skin rash) to severe or even life-threatening (lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, rapid swelling, nausea, or unconsciousness). If you think your child has allergies, it’s important to understand what may be causing them. This is the first step in keeping them under control and helping your child feel better.

Allergy testing for children

AHN Pediatrics uses a variety of methods to test your child for allergies and provide an allergy diagnosis. One of the best ways to test children for allergies is with a patient-friendly, innovative skin testing technique. This makes allergy testing significantly more comfortable, accurate, and reproduceable than traditional scratch testing methods. 

We also offer a variety of laboratory tests, including blood testing for food and environmental allergens. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about symptoms and request a referral for allergy testing or specialized allergy treatment. 

How to schedule

To make or reschedule an appointment with an AHN Pediatrics provider (new and current patients):

Find pediatric primary care

Choosing the right provider for your child is an important decision. We’ll help you find an AHN pediatrician who matches your needs. 

Appointment options

AHN Pediatrics offers in-person appointments, telehealth virtual appointments, and 24/7 sick child support. Learn more about our appointment options.

Insurance coverage

AHN Pediatrics is part of the Allegheny Clinic Physicians group. You can check your insurance coverage at all Allegheny Clinic Physician practices or call the Member Service phone number on the back of your member ID card.

MyChart® benefits

AHN Pediatrics uses the AHN MyChart patient portal to send important information related to your child’s care. You can also use MyChart to ask nonurgent questions, request prescription refills, or pay a medical bill for any of your child’s AHN health care providers. 

Sign up for a free MyChart account and download the MyChart app for on-the-go convenience:

MyChart® is a registered trademark of Epic Systems Corporation and used with permission.