Paediatric Allergy

Allergy and asthma often begin in childhood, and children are not simply small adults when it comes to assessment and treatment. Allergy Asthma Foundation was founded by paediatricians, and children’s allergy care — from infants to teenagers — is a core part of what the clinic does.

Conditions we commonly see in children

• Asthma and recurrent wheeze
• Allergic rhinitis and itchy, watery eyes
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis), often alongside other allergies
• Food allergy, including milk, egg, wheat, peanut and tree nut
• Hives and swelling
• Reactions to insect stings or medicines

How assessment is adapted for children

Comfortable, unhurried consultations

Time is given to hear the story from the parent and, where old enough, the child. Growth, feeding, sleep and school are all part of the picture.

Child-friendly testing

Skin-prick testing is quick and involves only a tiny scratch; results are read in about twenty minutes. Where breathing tests are needed, the forced oscillation technique measures lung function during normal breathing and needs no forceful effort, which suits younger children. Blood tests are used when skin testing is not suitable.

Supervised food challenges

When it is unclear whether a child is still allergic to a food, a monitored challenge in the clinic can give a definite answer and, often, allow a food to be reintroduced safely.

Treatment and follow-up

• Inhaler technique taught with a spacer and, for young children, a mask — and checked at each visit
• Eczema care built around regular moisturiser and correct use of prescribed creams
• Written action plans for asthma and for food allergy, shared with school
• Advice for families on reducing dust mite and other triggers at home
• Regular review, because a child’s allergies, doses and advice change as they grow

When to book an appointment

Consider a visit if your child wheezes or coughs repeatedly, wakes at night with symptoms, has eczema that is hard to control, has reacted to a food, or is avoiding foods without a clear diagnosis. Any reaction with breathing difficulty, floppiness or collapse is an emergency.

This page is general information and not a substitute for a consultation. Symptoms overlap between conditions, so a clinician's assessment is the reliable way to know what is going on and what will help in your case.