IDENTIFYING TRIGGERS, PROTECTING YOUR CHILD
Allergy Testing & Treatment for Children in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs
From seasonal sneezing to a worrying reaction after eating peanuts, allergies are one of the most common reasons parents bring their kids in to see us. Our pediatricians diagnose and manage food, seasonal, skin, and pet allergies right here at our offices, helping families understand exactly what’s triggering symptoms and how to manage them safely.
Common Childhood Allergies We Treat
We regularly diagnose and manage food allergies (milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, and more), seasonal/environmental allergies (pollen, dust mites, mold), pet dander allergies, and allergic skin conditions like eczema and hives, along with allergic asthma when breathing symptoms are involved.
Signs Your Child May Have an Allergy
Watch for sneezing, congestion, or itchy/watery eyes that follow a seasonal pattern; hives, swelling, or vomiting after eating a specific food; persistent itchy rashes, especially in skin folds; or a chronic cough and congestion that worsens around pets or dust. Severe reactions – difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or widespread hives after eating – are a medical emergency and require calling 911, NOT scheduling an office visit.
How We Test and Diagnose Allergies
Diagnosis often starts with a detailed history of your child’s symptoms and triggers. Depending on the suspected allergy, we may recommend blood testing (specific IgE testing) done through our office, or refer to a pediatric allergist for skin prick testing when more detailed results are needed, especially for suspected food allergies.
Managing Allergies Day to Day
Once we’ve identified triggers, we’ll build a management plan that may include antihistamines or other medications, an action plan for accidental exposure (including when an epinephrine auto-injector is needed), guidance for school and daycare staff, and strategies for reducing exposure at home.
allergies
frequently asked questions
How can I tell if my child has a food allergy or just an intolerance?
A true food allergy typically causes an immune reaction – hives, swelling, vomiting, or breathing trouble – often within minutes to two hours of eating. An intolerance usually causes digestive discomfort without an immune response. We can help clarify which one your child is experiencing through history and, if needed, testing.
Do you do allergy testing in your office, or do you refer out?
Speech development varies, but if your child isn’t saying any words by 18 months, or isn’t combining two words by age 2, it’s worth a developmental screening at our office.
When should I use an EpiPen instead of calling the doctor?
If your child has a known severe allergy and shows signs of a serious reaction (difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, widespread hives with other symptoms), use the epinephrine auto-injector immediately and call 911 – don’t wait for an office visit or try to call us first.
Can my child outgrow a food allergy?
Some food allergies, like milk and egg, are more commonly outgrown in childhood, while others (like peanut) are more likely to persist. We monitor this over time and may recommend re-testing periodically.
If your child is having a severe allergic reaction – trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or widespread hives with other symptoms – call 911 immediately.
Ready to Get to the Bottom of Your Child’s Symptoms?
From seasonal sniffles to food reactions, we’ll help you identify triggers and build a plan that actually works for your family.
Call 847-742-6888 to Schedule Allergy Testing
Caring for northern Illinois families for over 40 years
Call for Appointments
847.742.6888
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8 am - 5 pm
(Closed for lunch 12 - 1:30pm)
Saturday: 8 am - 12 pm
Sunday: Closed
ELGIN SUMMIT STREET
1015 Summit St
Elgin, IL 60120
ELGIN RANDALL ROAD
1530 N Randall Rd.
Elgin, IL 60123
STREAMWOOD
1020 E Schaumburg Rd. Streamwood, IL 60107
ALGONQUIN
2971 Algonquin Rd. Ste 105
Algonquin, IL 60102
AFTER HOURS
Call 847.742.6888 to reach our answering service. A provider will be paged to assist you. A $25 after-hours fee applies.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.