Pediatric Allergist Services

At Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy, our allergists and allergy specialists provide gentle, comprehensive allergy and asthma care for children of all ages. We understand that watching your child struggle with persistent sneezing, chronic hives, wheezing, or a reaction to food is stressful, and we make it easy to get answers quickly. Most families are seen within days, with same- and next-day appointments commonly available.

Whether your child has been dealing with symptoms for years or you have newly noticed something that does not feel right, our pediatric allergy team can help identify the cause and build a treatment plan tailored specifically to your child.

What Does a Pediatric Allergist Treat?

A pediatric allergist is a physician or advanced practice provider who specializes in diagnosing and managing allergic conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Children’s immune systems respond to allergens differently than adults’, and the right diagnosis and treatment approach must account for age, developmental stage, and how symptoms show up in younger patients.

Our team evaluates and treats a wide range of conditions, including:

• Seasonal and environmental allergies: Reactions to pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, cockroach droppings, and other common environmental allergens
• Food allergies: Including tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, shellfish, and other common triggers
• Asthma: All types, including allergic asthma, exercise-induced asthma, and asthma associated with respiratory infections
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Particularly when allergy triggers are suspected as contributing factors
• Allergic rhinitis: Chronic nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and postnasal drip driven by allergen exposure
• Chronic sinusitis: Recurrent or persistent sinus inflammation
• Hives and chronic urticaria: Unexplained rashes, welts, or itching
• Medication allergies: Reactions to antibiotics or other drugs
• Insect venom allergies: Severe reactions to bee, wasp, or other insect stings
• Chronic cough: Persistent cough that may be linked to asthma, postnasal drip, or another allergic condition

If you are unsure whether your child’s symptoms point to allergies, these signs you may need an allergist can help you decide whether to schedule an evaluation.

Childhood Allergies: What Parents Should Know

Allergies are among the most common chronic conditions affecting children. They can appear at any age, from infancy through adolescence, and symptoms often change as a child grows. A child who had only eczema as a baby may later develop food allergies, seasonal allergies, or asthma, a pattern sometimes called the “allergic march.”

Because allergic conditions frequently overlap and evolve, early evaluation and ongoing monitoring make a significant difference. Identifying triggers early allows families to put strategies in place before symptoms escalate, and it gives children the best chance of staying active, sleeping well, and thriving in school.

Some signs that your child may benefit from a pediatric allergy evaluation include:

• Persistent nasal congestion, sneezing, or a runny nose that does not resolve between illnesses
• Frequent colds that settle in the chest or seem to last longer than expected
• Chronic or recurring ear infections
• Wheezing, coughing fits, or shortness of breath during activity or at night
• Itchy, watery eyes, particularly during certain seasons
• Skin rashes, hives, or eczema flares with no clear explanation
• Reactions to certain foods, including vomiting, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing after eating
• A family history of asthma, hay fever, eczema, or food allergies

Food Allergies in Children

Food allergies are increasingly common in children and can range from mild to life-threatening. The most frequently implicated foods in childhood include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. Reactions may occur within minutes of exposure and can affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, or cardiovascular system.

Our team evaluates children for food allergies using a combination of detailed history, skin prick testing, and blood testing. Where appropriate, we help families develop a management plan that includes safe food practices, strategies for school and social settings, and guidance on when and how to use emergency medication if a reaction occurs.

For families navigating day-to-day life with a child who has food allergies, we offer practical support. We recognize that holidays, school events, and social gatherings can create real anxiety. We work with you to build confidence and prepare for real-world situations so your child can participate fully.

Asthma in Children

Asthma is one of the leading causes of school absences and emergency visits among children, yet it is highly manageable with the right diagnosis and plan. In children, asthma can present differently than in adults: some children have classic wheezing, while others primarily cough, particularly at night or after running.

We evaluate children for all forms of asthma, including allergic asthma triggered by allergens such as pollen and pet dander, exercise-induced asthma, and asthma triggered by respiratory infections. Pulmonary function testing is available for children 6 years and older to objectively assess how the airways are functioning.

Our approach to pediatric asthma management includes:

• Identifying triggers: Allergy testing to pinpoint the specific allergens driving airway inflammation
• Medication management: Selecting age-appropriate controller and rescue medications, and ensuring your child uses them correctly
• Inhaler technique training: Teaching children and caregivers how to use inhalers and spacers effectively, since technique has a major impact on how well medications work
• Asthma action plans: Every child we treat for asthma leaves with a written, personalized action plan so parents and schools know exactly what to do at every level of symptom severity
• Ongoing monitoring: Regular follow-up to adjust the plan as your child grows and their needs change

Eczema and Allergy in Children

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is one of the most common skin conditions in children and often has an allergic component. Many children with eczema are sensitized to food allergens, environmental allergens, or both, and exposures can trigger or worsen flares.

When eczema is persistent, severe, or not responding well to standard skin-directed treatments, allergy evaluation can be an important next step. We work closely with our dermatology team to provide coordinated care when a child’s eczema and allergies are intertwined. Identifying and reducing allergen exposures, combined with appropriate medical therapy, often leads to meaningful improvement in both skin and overall quality of life.

Pediatric Allergy Testing

Understanding which allergens your child is reacting to is the foundation of effective treatment. We offer a range of testing approaches tailored to your child’s age, symptoms, and health history.

Skin Prick Testing

Skin prick testing is the most common method of allergy testing in children. Small amounts of specific allergen extracts are placed on the forearm or back and gently pricked into the skin. Results are typically available within 15 to 20 minutes. Skin prick testing is well-tolerated by most children and is a reliable way to identify sensitivities to environmental allergens and common foods.

Blood Testing (Specific IgE)

Blood tests measure the level of IgE antibodies the immune system has produced in response to specific allergens. They are a useful option when skin testing is not possible, such as when a child has significant eczema covering the testing area, is taking medications that interfere with skin tests, or has had a severe recent reaction.

Pulmonary Function Testing

For children 6 years and older, spirometry and other pulmonary function tests help us assess how the airways are working, confirm an asthma diagnosis, and measure how well treatment is controlling the condition. These tests are non-invasive and completed in the office.

Laboratory Testing

Additional blood work may be ordered to evaluate the immune system more broadly, assess for specific conditions, or support diagnosis in complex cases.

Treatment Options for Children

Once we have a clear picture of your child’s triggers and conditions, we build an individualized treatment plan. Depending on what we find, treatment may include one or more of the following approaches.

Allergen Avoidance Strategies

Reducing your child’s exposure to identified triggers is one of the most effective and immediate steps we can take. We provide specific, practical guidance based on your child’s allergen profile, which may include recommendations for HEPA air filtration, allergen-proof bedding covers, dietary changes, and pet management strategies.

Medications

A range of medications is available to control allergy and asthma symptoms in children. These may include antihistamines for allergic rhinitis and hives, nasal corticosteroids for congestion and inflammation, leukotriene modifiers, inhaled corticosteroids for asthma control, and rescue bronchodilators for acute asthma symptoms. We select medications based on your child’s age, weight, symptom pattern, and any other health conditions.

Allergen Immunotherapy

For children whose allergies are significantly affecting their quality of life and who are not responding fully to medications and avoidance, immunotherapy offers a longer-term solution by addressing the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms.

Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) deliver gradually increasing doses of specific allergens to desensitize the immune system over time. Most children tolerate shots well, and the treatment has a strong track record for reducing both allergy and asthma symptoms.

Allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy) offer a needle-free alternative that can be administered at home, which many families find more convenient, particularly for younger children. Our team can help determine which form of immunotherapy is the best fit for your child.

Emergency Preparedness

For children with a history of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, we provide comprehensive education on recognizing early warning signs, administering epinephrine auto-injectors, and when to seek emergency care. We also help families communicate with schools, daycares, and caregivers so that the adults in your child’s life are prepared.

When to See a Pediatric Allergist

Many childhood allergy symptoms are first noticed by parents or identified by a pediatrician. A referral to a pediatric allergist is appropriate when:

• Your child’s symptoms are not controlled with over-the-counter medications
• Symptoms are frequent or severe enough to affect sleep, school attendance, or daily activities
• Your child has had a reaction to a food, medication, or insect sting
• Asthma symptoms are present or suspected
• Eczema is persistent, severe, or getting worse
• You want to identify the specific triggers behind your child’s symptoms
• You are considering immunotherapy

Our providers serve families across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and our other practice locations. We make it easy to get your child seen quickly, with same- and next-day appointments commonly available.

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Pediatric Allergy Care at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy

Our allergists and allergy specialists are here to help your child breathe easier, eat safely, and live without the constant disruption of allergic symptoms. We combine thorough diagnostic evaluation with individualized treatment plans and ongoing support, so your family always knows what to do next.

To schedule a pediatric allergy evaluation, book an appointment online or call us at 844-DERM-DOC.

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