Toddler Allergies May Not Be The Problem

It can be very difficult to truly diagnose toddler allergies unless they have visited an allergist and tested. Not to put the blame on pediatricians. However, I feel that quickly an assumption is made and allergies receive the blame. I wanted to share and inform, in case other parents experience these same issues.

My son is now 5 years old. at the age of three he began to have frequent ear infections, sinus infections, and what "appeared" to be colds. First I put the blame on preschool, (being around all the germs) next I thought he might need more vitamins. Could it be toddler asthma? I added more vitamins. Nothing changed.

Each time we took a trip to the pediatrician and it was blamed on allergies, AND, prescriptions were given. I never gave my son the antihistamines that were prescribed. They made him loopy and actually never really helped him feel any better. We did the "natural" remedies of honey, vaporizers and ended up working it through. Until these episodes began to come more frequently.

Over and over it was blamed on toddler allergies. Some of the time it was not even allergy season. Finally the pediatrician decided to send us to a pediatric allergist. I was so relieved, especially for my son who at this point was 4 years old.

Questions to ask the Pediatrician:

• Ask To Be Sent To An Allergist! This is so important. An accurate diagnosis must be made. This can only be done through the proper testing. Prick tests, blood tests Etc. Allergy symptoms mimic other things. Be certain that is what is truly going on inside your child's body.
• Does your child really need the Medications prescribed? Prescriptions are given for all kinds of allergy medication. You could potentially be medicating your child and they do not even have allergies! It is very very important that you question all the medicine being administered.

The allergist performed the prick tests. To our surprise my son was not allergic to anything! No molds, pollen, trees or pets. I couldn't believe it. Even though there was a negative result, the doctor stated that he still could have a few potential allergies. BUT, he ordered a sinus x-ray to see what was going on.

The x-ray results came back and my son had enlarged adenoids. The culprit had been revealed! With the adenoids being so enlarged it was trapping bacteria and causing these infections. I was so grateful that we finally had an answer. The solution was to have them surgically removed. We found a great Ear, Nose and Throat doctor who was great with kids!

My son did amazing through the surgery. He has not had an episode since. No infections, no colds....nothing. He sleeps better and does not even snore anymore. So please if your child is being diagnosed and medicated for toddler allergies, ask to be referred to an allergist. Be certain that is what is really going on in their body.

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