Pediatric Allergy

Which Diseases and Conditions Are Treated?

In our department, the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of all allergic diseases frequently encountered in childhood are meticulously performed. Since every child's allergic constitution is different, the course and severity of the diseases also vary. The most frequently treated conditions in our clinic include:

• Food Allergies: Reactions to foods such as cow's milk, eggs, hazelnuts, peanuts, fish, soy, and wheat. Food allergy treatment in children requires careful follow-up.
• Respiratory Allergies: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and childhood asthma developing against pollen, house dust mites, and mold spores.
• Skin Allergies: Atopic dermatitis (eczema), urticaria (hives), reactions to insect bites, and contact allergies.
• Drug Allergies: The immune system's extreme sensitivity to various medications, such as antibiotics or painkillers.
• Anaphylaxis: A sudden and severe allergic shock that can be life-threatening and requires emergency intervention.

Diagnostic Methods

Proper treatment is only possible with an accurate diagnosis. Allergy testing processes in children are specially planned according to the child's age, medical history, and complaints. Reliable diagnostic methods complying with international standards are used in our hospital.

Skin Prick Test

It is one of the most frequently used allergy tests that provides quick results. It is usually applied to the arm or back area. Solutions containing allergens are dropped onto the skin, and a slight scratch is made on the top layer of the skin using a sterile, small device. Within about 15-20 minutes, the redness and swelling on the skin are evaluated to determine what substance the child is allergic to. The procedure is highly safe and does not cause a level of pain that would disturb children.

Patch Test

It is especially used to diagnose contact allergies (contact dermatitis) and some delayed-type food allergies. Allergen substances are taped to the child's back in small patches. These patches usually remain on the back for 48 hours and are then removed by our doctor to examine the reactions on the skin. If necessary, a re-evaluation is made at the 72nd hour to make a definitive diagnosis.

Blood Allergy Test

In cases where a skin test cannot be applied (for example, if there is a widespread skin rash or certain medications are being used), a blood allergy test is preferred. The level of allergy antibodies called specific IgE is measured in the taken blood sample. This method is a highly safe alternative, especially for small infants and children at risk of severe allergic reactions.

Treatment Options and Applications

After the diagnosis is made, a personalized treatment plan is created according to your child's age, the type of allergy, and its severity. Educating and raising the awareness of the family during the treatment process is just as important as medical intervention.

Allergen Avoidance and Medication

The first and most important step of treatment is staying away from the triggering allergen. While dietary adjustments are made for food allergies, indoor environmental precautions are taken for respiratory allergies. Reliable medical treatments such as antihistamine syrups, nasal sprays, asthma inhalers, or skin creams are prescribed to control symptoms and improve the child's quality of life. Additionally, an adrenaline auto-injector is prescribed for children with severe allergies, and the family is trained on an emergency plan.

Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)

Immunotherapy is an effective treatment method that can change the natural course of allergic diseases and aims to desensitize the immune system to the allergen. It is especially applied to suitable patients with house dust mite, pollen, or bee venom allergies. The treatment is based on the principle of introducing the allergen into the body in very low doses and increasing the dose over time. This method, which can be applied as sublingual drops/tablets or subcutaneous injections, is carried out under the close follow-up of our specialist physicians.

Our Technology and Expert Team

As BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, we provide services with our well-equipped infrastructure at pediatric allergy hospital standards. We offer current medical technologies to our patients with our modern laboratories, pulmonary function test devices, and allergy test units. In our JCI-accredited hospital, patient safety and comfort are prioritized at every stage of medical processes. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals manages the diagnosis and treatment processes with a compassionate and warm approach suitable for child psychology.

What Symptoms Require a Visit to a Pediatric Allergist?

Allergy symptoms in babies can sometimes be confused with colds or digestive problems. If you observe one or more of the following symptoms in your child, it is important to get an expert evaluation without wasting time:

• Persistent itching, redness, and rashes in various parts of the body
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, especially after consuming certain foods
• Frequent, stubborn coughing fits that increase at night or towards the morning
• Wheezing or a whistling sound heard while breathing
• Nasal congestion, watery runny nose, and sneezing that increase during seasonal transitions
• Watering, redness, and a constant feeling of itching in the eyes
• Unusually large, painful swellings after an insect or bee sting
• Shortness of breath, sudden swelling of the lips or eyelids (Requires emergency intervention)

Appointment and Examination Process

In your search for a pediatric allergist in Istanbul, our hospital is by your side with its easily accessible location and patient-oriented service approach. Our examination process begins with taking a detailed medical history of your child. The family's allergy history, when the symptoms appeared, and environmental factors are carefully examined. Necessary tests are planned and finalized quickly on the same day.

To alleviate your concerns about your child's health and step into a healthy tomorrow, you can reach us 24/7 through our call center at +90 850 811 34 00. To be examined at our hospital and meet with our expert team, you can easily complete your procedures by using the Book Online Appointment button.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age is an allergy test performed on children?

Allergy tests can be safely performed at any age, even in the newborn period, depending on the type of suspected allergy and the child's complaints. While testing can be done in the first months for suspected food allergies, it is generally expected for the child to go through a few pollen seasons (2-3 years of age) for respiratory allergies like pollen. Our specialist doctor will decide which test to perform.

Do food allergies go away over time?

Yes, some food allergies such as cow's milk, eggs, wheat, and soy usually go away as the child grows and the immune system matures. However, allergies to peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, cashews, etc.), or seafood are more likely to last a lifetime. This process is followed up with regular tests and food challenge tests conducted under a doctor's supervision.

What are the symptoms of allergic asthma in children?

Allergic asthma manifests itself with coughing that especially wakes the child up from sleep at night or increases towards the morning, shortness of breath after exertion (running, playing), a feeling of tightness in the chest, and wheezing. These symptoms usually increase with triggers such as viral infections, pollen, house dust, or cold air.

Can immunotherapy (allergy shots) be applied to children?

Yes, immunotherapy is a treatment method successfully applied to children that can change the course of the disease. It is generally preferred for children older than 5 years of age with house dust mite, pollen, or bee venom allergies. The treatment allows the child to develop a tolerance to the substance they are allergic to.

When do allergy symptoms start in babies?

Allergy symptoms in babies can start from the first weeks of life. Especially in breastfed babies, depending on the foods the mother consumes, or during the transition to solid foods (after the 6th month), it can manifest as eczema on the skin, bloody stools, severe gas pains, vomiting, or restlessness.