Locating And Choosing Allergists For Children

When child allergies go beyond mild, it may be time to seek more specialized help for your allergic child. In the case of immunology specialties, that specialized help will come in the form of an allergist for children.

When To Look For Allergists For Children

Family physicians and general pediatricians are capable of providing very good allergy management for their young patients, but sometimes child allergies go beyond the scope of the expertise and experience of the general practitioner. You may want to look for an allergist for your child when

* Allergies are poorly controlled

* You want to learn more about child allergy treatment alternatives

* Allergies are significantly impacting your child's academic and social life and activities

* You and your child's doctor are unable to identify allergy triggers

* Allergies are causing secondary health issues such as chronic infection or asthma

* Multiple allergies exist which require measured management plans

* You need more information regarding child allergies and control than your pediatrician/family physician can provide

* Your child needs allergy testing

* You are interested in allergy shots/immunotherapy for your child

* Your child's primary care doctor refers you.

The Benefits of Using Allergists For Children With Allergies

Allergists for children can provide all of the services mentioned above; there are a few other advantages to seeking the services of allergists for children.

* An allergist often has more time to spend with you and your child, and more time to spend thoroughly researching your child's medical and allergy history

* Allergists are more familiar with the source and variety of allergens, and so can sometimes identify allergens more accurately

* An allergist has more time to provide parent and child education regarding living with allergies and child allergy prevention

* An allergist's office is equipped to perform allergy testing, most on-the-spot

* An allergist is current on the most up-to-date allergy treatments and testing procedures, including advances in medications; allergists for children often know about better therapy and allergy treatment options before a general practitioner will

How To Look For Allergists For Children

Allergists for children are doctors who have specialized beyond pediatric or family medicine; after completing the 3-year internal medicine or pediatric residency, an allergist must complete an additional 2 years of study in allergy, asthma, and immunology. Upon successful completion of the 2-year fellowship, allergists for children become Board-Certified by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

Some allergists for children specialize their practice and become pediatric allergists; pediatric allergists are less abundant than general allergists who treat both children and adults with allergies, and most children will do very well under the care of a general allergist. If there is not a pediatric allergist near you, start by seeing a recommended general allergist, and go to a pediatric allergist if the need presents.

Most importantly, you want to be sure your child's allergist is board-certified, such as by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI). This indicates that the doctor has successfully completed post-graduate immunological study.

Next, you'll want to look for allergists with experience dealing with children-not only because they know children's allergies well, but also because they know how to interact with child patients. Of course, practical matters may weigh in your decision as well, such as what allergists for children accept your insurance plan.

If your child is being referred by his or her doctor, he or she will give you the name or names of allergists for children they generally send their patients to. For more references, try speaking with parents of children you know with allergies. You can also go to the websites of professional organizations like the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI). Your health insurance provider is also a good resource for referrals, as they will only send you to allergists for children who are covered by your plan.

Choosing doctors for your child, such as allergists for children, is sure to be an issue of concern with you as you strive to get your child the best care possible for his or her allergies. By using those resources available to you, and talking to your trusted family physician, you are sure to find a good allergist who can see to all your child allergy needs.

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