4 Questions to Ask Your Pediatric Allergist
A pediatric allergist is recommended for children with persistent or severe allergies like chronic coughing, wheezing, eczema, or food allergies. They offer comprehensive evaluations, accurate diagnoses, and tailored treatment plans to improve the child’s quality of life and prevent complications. Board-certified allergist Dr. Piniella, MD provides a wide range of allergy testing and treatment for children of all ages. Visit Piniella Asthma + Allergy today to get specialized and expert care. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Coral Gables, FL and Palmetto Bay, FL.


Table of Contents:
At what age does a child develop allergies?
How do pediatric allergists check babies for allergies?
What questions should I ask my child’s allergist?
At what age should a child be tested for allergies?
Allergies occur at various stages of life, so the age at which a child develops allergies can vary widely.
• Early childhood – It’s not uncommon for allergies to emerge in early childhood. Infants can show signs of allergic reactions to foods, such as milk, eggs, or peanuts, as they are introduced to solids.
• Preschool age – Environmental allergies such as hay fever can start to appear around preschool age. Children can exhibit symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes when exposed to pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.
• School age – Allergies tend to become more pronounced during the school-age years. Asthma and allergic reactions to foods, insect stings, and environmental factors often become more apparent as a child’s immune system matures.
• Teen years – Adolescents can experience the onset of allergies to new triggers, such as specific foods, medications, or environmental elements.
It’s important to note that while some allergies may appear in childhood, others can develop later in life. Genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and immune system health all play significant roles in allergy development.
Pediatric allergists use specialized techniques to identify potential allergens and sensitivities in infants, including:
• Detailed medical history and observations – The allergist will begin by discussing the baby’s medical history with the parents. This includes information about family allergies, feeding habits, and any observed symptoms like rashes, eczema, vomiting, or breathing difficulties. Parents’ observations of the baby’s behavior, symptoms, and reactions are highly valuable in diagnosing allergies.
• Physical examination – A thorough physical examination will be conducted to assess the baby’s general health and any visible allergy symptoms such as skin rashes or congestion.
• Skin prick tests – In some cases, a skin prick test is conducted. A tiny amount of allergen extract is placed on the baby’s skin, and the skin is pricked to allow the allergen to enter. Any resulting skin reactions can indicate sensitivities.
• Blood tests – Blood tests measure specific antibodies associated with allergies. While these are less commonly used with infants, a blood test may be recommended in certain cases.
• Elimination diets – If food allergies are suspected, the allergist may recommend an elimination diet for the breastfeeding mother or formula changes.
Some questions to ask your child’s allergist during your appointment include:
What allergies does my child have?
What are the common symptoms of my child’s allergies?
How can we effectively manage and treat my child’s allergies?
Can you provide guidance on allergen avoidance strategies?
What should I do if my child experiences a severe allergic reaction?
Are there any medications my child should carry with them?
Should my child carry an epinephrine auto-injector, and how should it be used?
How often should my child be re-evaluated for allergies?
Are there any links between my child’s allergies and other health conditions?
Can you guide us on how to communicate my child’s allergies to school, caregivers, and friends?
Can you provide recommendations for maintaining a balanced diet despite allergies?
Allergy testing is generally not recommended during infancy, as babies can have minor sensitivities that they outgrow. However, if a baby shows severe allergic reactions or persistent symptoms, consulting a pediatric allergist is crucial. When children are 2 to 3 years old, parents should consider bringing them in for allergy testing if they display consistent allergic reactions to certain foods or environmental factors.
Allergy testing is particularly effective for children aged 6 to 12 years. Their immune systems are more stable, leading to more reliable test results. This is an optimal time to test for various common allergens. Furthermore, teenagers can also undergo allergy testing to identify new allergies or sensitivities that might emerge during this period of life.
Ultimately, the decision to test for allergies should be made in consultation with a pediatric allergist. Our team will consider your child’s medical history, symptoms, and developmental stage to determine the most appropriate timing and method of testing. Call us now or book an appointment online today – let us help you find relief from your symptoms and live with less fear! We’re always happy to answer any questions that you may have so please feel free to reach out to us! We serve patients from Coral Gables FL, Palmetto Bay FL, Westchester FL, Brownsville FL, Kendall FL, Pinecrest FL, Richmond West FL, and Goulds FL.

Additional Services You May Need
▸ Asthma
▸ Allergy Testing
▸ Food Allergies
▸ Immunotherapy
▸ Patch Testing
▸ Allergy Treatment
▸ Pediatric Asthma Specialist
▸ Pediatric Allergist
▸ Insect Bite Allergy
▸ Drug Allergy
▸ Seasonal Allergies
▸ Skin Allergy

Additional Services You May Need
▸ Asthma
▸ Allergy Testing
▸ Food Allergies
▸ Immunotherapy
▸ Patch Testing
▸ Allergy Treatment
▸ Pediatric Asthma Specialist
▸ Pediatric Allergist
▸ Insect Bite Allergy
▸ Drug Allergy
▸ Seasonal Allergies
▸ Skin Allergy