Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom, a certain food or pet dander. The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening emergency.

While allergies are common in children, most are not serious. Fortunately, there are many good treatments that can help you control your child's allergy symptoms, depending on what triggers them and what the symptoms are.

Your pediatrician or family doctor

If you are concerned your child may have allergies, make an appointment to see your child’s regular pediatrician or family doctor.

See also: 

• Allergy and Clinical Immunology
• Doernbecher general pediatricians