AskDocDoc
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 42M : 44S
background image
Click Here
background image
Pediatric Medicine
Question #24534
46 days ago
83

what causes allergy - #24534

Dhruv

I am super worried about my son right now. For the last few weeks, he’s been dealing with these bizzare symptoms and we just can’t figure it out. One day he’s fine, then the next he’s got these itchy rashes all over his arms and legs. At first, we thought it was something he ate, maybe peanuts, but he’s had those before and never reacted this way! I took him to the peditrician, and they mentioned it could be just a normal thing like pollen or dust mites, but honestly, what causes allergy seems to be such a complicated question now. We tried some antihistamines, and sometimes they help a bit but then the rashes just come back. Now we’re wondering about food allergies too because he’s also started sneezing a lot lately, and I can’t help but think, “what causes allergy outbreaks like this?” Like, is it just in his genes, or can we pin it to something specific? Is it possible that he could suddenly develop new allergies? I’ve read about people having allergy tests, but are these really helpful to figure out what causes allergy in kids? I’m just feeling lost and overwhelmed and wonder if anyone else has seen something like this with their child.

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Allergies are essentially caused by the immune system’s overreaction to substances that are usually harmless. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods. Genetics can certainly play a role in whether someone develops allergies, as they often run in families. However, environmental factors can trigger or exacerbate them. So, it’s not surprising that your son might suddenly develop new allergies, even to things he has tolerated in the past. Sometimes, a child can become sensitized after repeated exposure to an allergen. In your son’s case, it sounds like his symptoms could be due to environmental allergies, food allergies, or even a combination of both. An allergy test could be quite useful — it helps identify specific allergens that trigger his reactions. Skin prick or blood tests are commonly used to diagnose allergies, and they can guide you on what to potentially avoid. It’s not uncommon for antihistamines to have varying effectiveness, as they target the histamine pathway but might not fully control the symptoms, especially if exposure to the allergen continues. To address your son’s symptoms more comprehensively, you might want to consult with an allergist. They can offer a tailored management plan and determine if other treatments, such as nasal sprays or allergen immunotherapy, might be beneficial. In the meantime, try to monitor his environment and diet for any triggers. Keeping a diary noting when symptoms appear can be useful in identifying potential allergens. If any serious symptoms arise, such as difficulty breathing or swelling in the throat, seek medical attention immediately, as these could be signs of a severe allergic reaction which must be treated promptly.

18900 answered questions
90% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions