Allergy

Up to 50 million Americans, including millions of children, have some type of allergy. In fact, allergies account for the loss of an estimated 2 million school days per year. If your child has cold-like symptoms lasting longer than a week or two, or develops a "cold" at the same time every year, an allergy may be the cause.

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance that's harmless to most people. But in someone with an allergy, the body's immune system treats the substance (called an allergen) as an invader and reacts inappropriately, resulting in symptoms that can be anywhere from annoying to possibly harmful to the child.

At Nemours, allergy services may be combined with expertise from other medical areas, such as immunology, asthma and pulmonology, as the symptoms, disorders and treatments may overlap.

For children with known or suspected allergies, Nemours provides comprehensive evaluation services including allergy consultation, allergy skin testing, and drug and food allergy testing (including specific challenges). Treatment includes pharmacologic treatment, allergy shots, immunotherapy and disease-related counseling. In addition, education related to prevention and control of allergic diseases by recognition of specific triggers, environmental controls, and management strategies is provided.

Nemours allergists are trained in multiple specialties—pediatrics, allergy and immunology, for example. Nemours allergists use an integrated medical record that unifies patient care across specialties and locations, prompting allergists to consider best practices gained from Nemours experience and academic literature. We provide excellent care that places the patient and family at the center, and our commitment to communication is central to the process. We strive to create a uniquely satisfying experience bringing both symptom relief and peace of mind to patients and families.

Nemours locations offer a range of allergy services. Please refer to the sites listed to the left for specific services available at each location.