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Allergies are caused by the immune system reacting to a specific foreign
substance, or allergen. When a person with allergies is exposed to this
allergen, the immune system releases chemicals, like histamine, which
cause the symptoms of allergies. These symptoms occur primarily in the
nose, eye, throat, ear, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Hay Fever, or
Allergic Rhinitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the nose and
eyes. It is one of the most common types of allergic reaction. Allergic
rhinitis symptoms are: a runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, nose, throat
and ears, and sneezing. Sometimes allergic rhinitis causes headaches and
fatigue.
There are many allergens which can cause allergic rhinitis. Some are
seasonal (occurring only at certain times of the year) or perennial
(occurring all year round). The most common allergens which cause
allergic rhinitis are dust mite, cat and dog dander, cockroaches, molds,
and tree, grass or weed pollens.
At the
Center for Asthma and Allergy Disease, testing is done to determine if a
child's immune system will react to a specific allergen. We offer both a
CAP RAST blood test and skin testing. In skin testing, a small amount of
each allergen is pricked onto the skin. After 15-20 minutes, the
strength of an allergic reaction can be measured. The results of the
allergy testing will provide important information on which allergens
cause symptoms.
We also offer allergy immunotherapy, also called allergy shots, for
children with allergy symptoms which can not be controlled through
avoidance and medications. Allergy shots work by decreasing the
sensitivity towards specific allergens.
Please click here for more information on
allergies.
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is located in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University Hospital, approximately 20 miles north of San Jose, CA and 40 miles south of San Francisco.
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
725 Welch Road
Palo Alto, California 94304
(650) 497-8000
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