What does a Clinical Pediatric Immunologist do?

 If your child suffers from allergies or other problems with his or her immune system, a pediatrician/immunologist has specialized skills to treat your child.

Your child's immune system fights off infection. If your child has allergies, his immune system reacts incorrectly to things that are usually harmless. Pet dander, pollen, dust, mold spores, insect stings, food and medicines are examples of such things. This reaction can cause his body to react with health problems such as asthma, hay fever, hives, eczema (a rash), or a very severe and unusual reaction called anaphylaxis.

Sometimes, if your child's immune system is not working properly, he may suffer from frequent, severe and/or unusual infections. Examples of such infections are sinusitis (inflammation of one or more sinuses), pneumonia (infection of the lungs), thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth), and abscesses. A pediatrician/immunologist detects and treats these allergies and immune system problems.

What kind of training do pediatricians/immunologists take?

Pediatricians/immunologists are doctors who have

·         At least 4 years of school in medical line

·         three years of primary care pediatric residency training

·         At least 2 to 3 more years of study in an allergy and immunology program

·         Certification from the Recognized Board of Allergy and Immunology

Pediatricians/immunologists treat children from birth to adolescence. Their preference for specialization in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology prepares them to provide the most experience in dealing with the unique medical needs of children with allergies and immune system problems.

What type of treatment does a Pediatrician/Immunologist provide?

Pediatricians/immunologists usually provide treatment for:

• ·         asthma
• ·         Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• ·         sinusitis
• ·         Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• ·         hives (urticaria, welts)
• ·         Severe reaction to foods, insect stings, and medications (anaphylaxis)
• ·         Immune disorders that lead to the following:

1.          frequent sinusitis, pneumonia, or diarrhea
2.          Thrush and boils that keep coming back
3.         Severe, unusual infection

Pediatricians/immunologists diagnose allergic conditions using specialized testing. Newer forms of these tests can be nearly painless. Treatment may be avoiding things that cause symptoms, immunotherapy (allergy shots), or medication. There are also tests and effective treatments available for a variety of causes of a weakened immune system.

Where can I find a Pediatrician/Immunologist?

Pediatricians/immunologists practice in a variety of medical settings. These include children's hospitals, university medical centers, large community hospitals and private offices. Ask your pediatrician or local children's hospital to help you find an allergist/immunologist who works with children.

Pediatrician/immunologist — Special care in children

Children are not just little adults. They can't always tell us what's bothering them. They can't always answer medical questions. They are not always able to be patient and cooperative during clinical trials.

Pediatricians/immunologists know how to examine and treat children which helps them to relax and cooperate. Their goal is to identify the causes of these disorders in your child, and to offer ways to reduce symptoms so that your child can lead a healthy life.

If your pediatrician suggests that your child go to a Clinical Pediatric Immunologist near you, you can be assured that he will receive specialist care. That care will include the most up-to-date treatment and medical options to improve your child's quality of life.