Allergies (Topic Center)

Allergies

Learn about different types of allergies, how to prevent reactions, and what to do if your child has allergies.

Allergies 101

Food Allergies

Milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, fish, and shellfish are among the most common foods that cause allergies.

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Insect Sting Allergies

Insect stings usually are minor annoyances. But they can cause serious reactions in kids who are allergic to them.

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Environmental Allergies

Seasonal allergies are sometimes called “hay fever.” Find out about causes and treatment.

Seasonal allergies

Allergy shots

Testing for Allergies

Find out how doctors test for different kinds of allergies. 

Skin tests

Tests for food allergies

Blood tests

Handling Reactions

Most allergic reactions aren’t serious. But severe reactions can be life-threatening and need medical care right away. Learn what to watch for — and what to do.

5 Ways to Prepare for an Allergy Emergency

Quick action will help your child during a serious allergic reaction. Here’s a checklist for any parent of a child with a serious allergy.

Get prepared

First Aid: Allergic Reactions

Here’s what to do when a child has an allergic reaction — mild or severe. 

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Serious Allergic Reactions

If your child has a severe allergy or has had a severe reaction, your doctor prescribed injectable epinephrine. Be sure to keep it on hand at all times.

Act fast

Allergy FAQs

Pollen-food allergy syndrome (also called oral allergy syndrome) causes a type of allergic reaction. It usually only affects the lips, mouth, and throat, and happens when someone with a pollen allergy eats some foods — fruits, vegetables, and nuts. For a few kids, it can be serious.

Find out more

Allergies don’t cause asthma. But when kids already have asthma, having allergies can sometimes make their asthma symptoms worse.

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