Symptoms of pediatric allergies are often confused with symptoms of common pediatric ear, nose and throat conditions. Often, children diagnosed with frequent cold or sinus infections are suffering from allergies. Allergies can also contribute to other common pediatric problems such as ear infections. Allergies most typically present in childhood. It is critical to have your child evaluated by a doctor trained to recognize common pediatric respiratory illnesses and potential causes. Inhalants such as dust, ragweed, pollen and animal dander can contribute to irritating the sensitive membranes covering the nose and throat. If allergies run in a family then the potential for children to be sensitive to allergens is much higher. Often when children are diagnosed with multiple ear, sinus or throat infections, inhalant allergies are at the root of the problem. At the Johns Hopkins Sinus Center, our doctors evaluate, diagnose and treat pediatric allergies. Often our patients are referred to us for common pediatric illnesses, such as chronic ear or sinus infections. We recognize the underlying cause may be inhalant allergies, and can test and evaluate for possible triggers the same day as your appointment. Your doctor may recommend several treatment options for pediatric allergies including: • The use of daily oral medication like antihistamines or a nasal steroid spray
• Decongestants to minimize the mucous
• Behavioral changes including removing triggers from the child’s environment
• Immunotherapy (injection or oral) | 
