Pediatric Allergy Care in Baymeadows, Jacksonville, FL
Allergies can make kids miserable, with stuffy noses, itchy eyes, rashes, and worries about what’s safe to eat. Starfish Pediatrics in Baymeadows helps families find the cause of their child’s symptoms and build a plan to manage them, so your child can feel better and you can feel confident.
Call (904) 347-2773 to request an appointment.
Allergies in Children
An allergy happens when the immune system overreacts to something that’s usually harmless, such as pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mites, insect stings, or certain foods. Allergies are common in children and can show up at any age. Jacksonville’s warm, humid climate means pollen and mold can affect kids for much of the year.
Signs Your Child May Have Allergies
Call us if your child has:
- Frequent sneezing, runny nose, or congestion
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Coughing or wheezing that keeps coming back
- Rashes, hives, or dry, itchy skin
- Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating certain foods
- Symptoms that last for weeks or return in the same season
Types of Allergies We Evaluate and Treat
- Seasonal and environmental allergies (hay fever), triggered by pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander
- Food allergies, such as milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and sesame
- Skin allergies, including hives, eczema flare-ups, and contact reactions
- Insect sting allergies
- Medication allergies
- Allergy-related asthma and sinus problems
How We Diagnose and Treat Allergies
Your pediatrician will:
- Ask about symptoms, timing, possible triggers, foods, and family history
- Perform a physical exam
- Recommend testing when needed [confirm whether you offer in-office testing or refer out]
- Create a treatment plan, which may include avoiding triggers, allergy medicines, nasal sprays, eye drops, or skin care
- Prescribe emergency medication such as an epinephrine auto-injector for children at risk of severe reactions [confirm]
- Refer you to an allergy specialist if more testing or care is needed
Cold or Allergies?
Colds usually pass within about 7 to 10 days and may bring fever or body aches. Allergies tend to last longer or return in the same season, and often cause itchy eyes and nose with clear nasal drainage. If you’re not sure, your pediatrician can help sort it out.
Severe Allergic Reactions: When to Call 911
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency. Signs can include:
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
- Widespread hives
- Repeated vomiting
- Dizziness or fainting
If your child has these signs, use epinephrine if it has been prescribed and call 911 right away.
What to Bring to an Allergy Visit
- Health insurance card
- Photo ID
- List of your child’s medications
- Notes on symptoms, when they happen, and possible triggers or foods
- Photos of rashes or swelling, if you have them
- Previous medical records, if you’re a new patien
Child Allergy FAQs
What are the signs of allergies in a child?
Common signs include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, rashes or hives, itchy skin, and stomach upset after eating certain foods. Symptoms that keep coming back or last for weeks may point to an allergy.
How can I tell if my child has a cold or allergies?
Colds usually pass within about 7 to 10 days and may include fever or body aches. Allergies tend to last longer or return in the same season, and often cause itchy eyes and nose and clear nasal drainage. Your pediatrician can help sort out the cause.
Can a pediatrician diagnose and treat allergies?
Yes. Your pediatrician can evaluate your child’s symptoms, identify likely triggers, recommend treatment, and refer you to an allergy specialist if more testing or care is needed.
What are the signs of a severe allergic reaction?
Signs of a severe reaction, called anaphylaxis, can include trouble breathing, wheezing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, widespread hives, repeated vomiting, dizziness, or fainting. This is an emergency. Use epinephrine if it has been prescribed and call 911.
When should my child see an allergy specialist?
Your pediatrician may recommend an allergist if your child has had a serious reaction, a suspected food allergy, symptoms that don’t improve with treatment, or asthma that seems linked to allergies.
What should I bring to an allergy visit?
Bring your insurance card, photo ID, a list of your child’s medications, and notes on symptoms, including when they happen, possible triggers, and any foods involved. Photos of rashes or swelling can also help.
