Treatment of Minor Allergic Reactions

Providing Care for Your Child's Allergic Reaction

An allergic reaction occurs when your child’s immune system overreacts to a substance such as medication, chemicals, food, insect bites, or other allergens. Reactions can vary from mild symptoms like rashes, hives, itching, or stomach cramps to severe symptoms that can be life-threatening. In extreme cases, swelling of the tongue and throat can block the airway, making breathing difficult.

At Kids 1st Urgent Care, we are prepared to address a variety of allergic reactions. We provide treatments ranging from antihistamines to steroids to offer immediate relief from discomforting symptoms. While we have epinephrine available for emergencies, it is important to note that severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, are considered medical emergencies. For such cases, where life-threatening symptoms are present, immediate care at an emergency department is necessary.

Medications for Your Child's Allergic Reaction

At Kids 1st Urgent Care, we administer antihistamines and corticosteroids with compassion and care, ensuring your child receives effective relief from their minor allergic symptoms. Our team is dedicated to providing immediate comfort and developing a long-term treatment plan to manage and prevent future allergic reactions.

How Antihistamines Work

Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergic reactions in children by counteracting the effects of histamine, a substance released by the immune system during an allergic response. Here’s how they work:

• Histamine Blockade: Histamine is a chemical released by the body in response to an allergen. It binds to histamine receptors on cells, leading to symptoms like itching, swelling, and increased mucus production. Antihistamines work by blocking these histamine receptors, preventing histamine from attaching and thus reducing allergic symptoms.
• Reduction of Symptoms: By inhibiting histamine action, antihistamines help alleviate common allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and hives. This makes them effective for managing both mild and moderate allergic reactions.
• Administration: Antihistamines can be administered in various forms, including oral tablets, liquids, or dissolvable forms. The choice of form and dosage depends on the child’s age, weight, and the severity of the allergic reaction.
• Onset and Duration: The effects of antihistamines typically start within an hour of administration and can last for several hours to a day, depending on the specific medication used.
• Safety and Dosage: It’s important to administer the correct dose of antihistamines.  Kids 1st Urgent Care Providers follow dosing recommendations from the leading pediatric institutions and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

At Kids 1st Urgent Care, our commitment is to provide prompt, effective, and compassionate care. We use antihistamines as a key part of our treatment strategy to manage allergic reactions, ensuring that your child receives the best possible care for their condition. Our treatments align with the clinical pathways of the most prestigious children's hospitals in the country.

How Corticosteroids Work

• Anti-Inflammatory Effect: Corticosteroids reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system's response. They inhibit the release of inflammatory chemicals, such as cytokines and prostaglandins, which help to alleviate symptoms like swelling, redness, and itching.
• Symptom Relief: By reducing inflammation, corticosteroids help to relieve severe allergic symptoms that antihistamines alone may not manage effectively. This includes symptoms such as persistent hives, significant swelling, or severe asthma exacerbations.
• Administration and Dosage: The method of administration and dosage depend on the severity of the allergic reaction and the specific corticosteroid used. Oral corticosteroids are typically given to your child at their visit and prescribed for short courses to manage acute inflammation.  while topical and inhaled forms are used for more localized symptoms.
• Onset and Duration: Corticosteroids generally take a few hours to start showing effects. They are usually administered for a limited period to control symptoms while minimizing potential side effects.

At Kids 1st Urgent Care, our compassionate team is experienced in administering corticosteroids to manage severe allergic reactions effectively. If corticosteroids are deemed necessary, we follow established protocols established by the leading pediatric institutions to ensure safe and effective treatment, monitoring your child closely to address any concerns or side effects that may arise.

Child-Friendly Environment

Understanding that medical treatments can be stressful for children, all of our providers have been trained by our Child Life Specialists on how to approach your child in a friendly and compassionate manner. We strive to make the experience as stress-free as possible, with a child-centered environment and a caring staff that helps ease any anxiety.

"Kids 1st Urgent Care stands as a beacon of medical excellence, seamlessly blending top-quality care with comfort, compassion, and convenience creating a concierge-like experience for children and their parents."