Allergies in Children | Dr. Abhimanyu Sengupta

Allergies in children are increasingly common and can significantly impact their daily lives, academic performance, and overall well-being. As a trusted Senior Pediatrician in Aundh, Pune, Dr. Abhimanyu Sengupta offers expert insights into identifying allergy triggers in children and managing them effectively through comprehensive pediatric care.

What Are Allergies?
Allergies occur when a child's immune system overreacts to substances that are typically harmless, such as pollen, dust, food, or pet dander. These substances are known as allergens. Once exposed, the immune system releases chemicals like histamine, leading to symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

Common Allergy Triggers in Children
Understanding the most common allergens is the first step toward effective management. These include:

• Food Allergens: Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and shellfish.
• Environmental Allergens: Pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander.
• Insect Stings: Bee or wasp stings can lead to localized or systemic allergic reactions.
• Medications: Some antibiotics and other medications can cause allergic responses.
• Seasonal Allergies: Often triggered by changes in weather, especially during spring and fall due to pollen exposure.

Symptoms of Allergies in Children
Children with allergies may experience a variety of symptoms, such as:

• Sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Skin rashes, eczema, or hives
• Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain (especially in food allergies)

Pediatric Allergy Management Approach
Dr. Abhimanyu Sengupta emphasizes a personalized and evidence-based approach to managing childhood allergies. Key components include:

1. Detailed Medical History & Allergy Testing: Identifying the root cause through a clinical evaluation and allergy tests such as skin prick or blood tests.
2. Trigger Avoidance: Educating parents and caregivers on avoiding known allergens, such as changing air filters, using hypoallergenic bedding, or eliminating certain foods.
3. Medication Management: Prescribing antihistamines, nasal sprays, or asthma medications where necessary to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
4. Emergency Action Plans: For children with severe allergies, especially food or insect sting allergies, an emergency plan involving the use of epinephrine (EpiPen) is crucial.
5. Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): In selected cases, long-term treatment through desensitization may be recommended.

Expert Pediatric Care in Aundh, Pune
Managing allergies in children requires not just medication, but an empathetic understanding of the child’s lifestyle and environment. At his clinic in Aundh, Pune, Dr. Abhimanyu Sengupta combines years of clinical experience with a compassionate approach, guiding families through effective allergy prevention and care strategies tailored to their child's needs.