W hen someone has allergies, it means their immune system identifies typically harmless substances as threats and tries to fight them off, which creates allergic reactions. Those reactions vary and could even be life-threatening if they result in anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction).

When children suffer from allergies, it is often more complicated because they are not always able to communicate what is going on or how they are feeling. That means they may be uncomfortable, frustrated and even dealing with sleep loss because of their discomfort, which can lead to acting out. Parents are often unsure about how to support their children – or when they should seek medical assistance. If you have a child who suffers from recurring symptoms, going to an allergist is the best way you can help your child.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TREATING ALLERGIES AT A YOUNG AGE

Allergy immunotherapy is different from most medicines. It is specific to each patient and is the most natural way to treat environmental allergies. When patients receive allergy shots, they are injected with a small, controlled dose of the allergens that are affecting them. Over time, patients become less sensitive and, in some cases, can even be cured of environmental symptoms. The sooner allergy treatment begins, the more effective it is for the patient. Additionally, not only does allergy immunotherapy stop pre-existing allergies from getting worse, in many cases it prevents new ones from appearing. In other words, if your child is allergic to dogs and grass now, starting them on allergy shots young will minimize those allergies and prevent them from becoming allergic to new things like cats and trees, later in life.

If your child suffers from repeated ear

infections or strep throat, a visit to an allergist is a good idea. Children who suffer from allergies often get sick more frequently because their immune systems spend so much energy fighting off allergens and are less effective against bacterial or viral infections.

Finally, if parents have allergies, it's important to also test your kids. Statistics show that children who have one parent with allergies are about 25 percent more likely to also suffer from allergies. If both parents have allergies, that number jumps to 75 percent.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN GETTING TESTED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES

I hear from parents all the time that while they want to get their children tested, they don't want to put them through the trauma of the testing. But allergy testing today is very different than it used to be. In fact, newer devices minimize the discomfort of the procedure.

At the first visit, your doctor will get a complete health history, including symptoms and presumed triggers. I always tell parents to be as thorough as possible when sharing information, because we use

this to determine which allergens to use in testing. There's no such thing as oversharing with your allergist!

There are two options in testing that your allergist will consider: skin tests and blood tests.

Skin tests – which I refer to as "dot tests" with younger patients – use small plastic or metal pin-shaped devices that are pressed onto the skin. When doing the skin test, allergists can look for as few as one or two allergens to as many as 40.

During this test, liquid forms of the allergens are placed onto the skin, usually on the arms or the back, triggering the child's immune system, to defend against what it believes is harmful. Children who are sensitized to specific allergens will develop a raised, red spot in the area of that allergen, similar to a mosquito bite. After the testing is complete, which typically takes about 15 minutes, the area is wiped down and cleaned.

In cases where blood testing is used, the doctor measures the number of allergenspecific antibodies in the blood. Typically, this test screens for 10 of the most common environmental allergy triggers, including dust, pet dander, trees, grasses, weeds and molds. It can also be customized to the area you live, testing for the most common regional outdoor allergens. While skin tests are the preferred method, sometimes a doctor will recommend blood tests if there is a concern that the child is taking a medicine that could interfere with test results, has poorly controlled asthma, or has a severe skin condition which may make testing more difficult. Your doctor will work with you and your child to determine the best testing options.

"WHEN CHILDREN SUFFER FROM ALLERGIES, THEY MAY BE UNCOMFORTABLE, FRUSTRATED AND EVEN DEALING WITH SLEEP LOSS BECAUSE OF THEIR DISCOMFORT, WHICH CAN LEAD TO ACTING OUT."

ALLERGY TREATMENTS AND HOW THEY WORK

When looking into allergy treatment options, most parents are aware of oral antihistamines, which can be purchased over the counter. Taking these in addition to avoiding allergens can sometimes be enough to ease symptoms. For kids, many allergy medications come in tablets, chewable and liquid forms.

Parents – if you find you are giving your child these medications on a frequent or seasonal basis, chances are you should see an allergist. Over-the-counter remedies do not fix the root issue; they simply alleviate the symptoms. So, the sooner you can get your child in to see a specialist, the faster they will experience actual relief through allergen immunotherapy, which typically is done through allergy shots.

As I mentioned earlier, allergy shots are excellent treatment options. They involve regular injections containing tiny amounts of the environmental proteins that cause your allergies, meaning they are fully customized to each patient. Allergists use small needles to deliver that treatment just