Allergy in children

What are allergies?

Allergy occurs when your immune system overreacts to non-threatening substances. Substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens.

Any substance can be an allergen including:

• insects
• medications
• foods
• dust mites
• grass
• pollen.

They can enter the body through your airway, skin, foods that you eat or medications that you take.

When people are affected by allergens their immune systems can cause them to react in different ways. Often these reactions affect the nose, eyes, sinus and throat. The severity of allergic reactions can vary from mild (hay fever) to severe and life-threatening (anaphylaxis).

Who we care for

Many children and young people with allergies are managed by their general practitioner (GP). Your GP will refer you to a paediatrician or specialist allergy clinic if they feel more specific testing or treatment is required. Symptoms that often need a referral to a paediatrician or allergy clinic include severe eczema, food or environmental allergies, or to investigate significant events or reactions that may be allergy related.

Paediatric allergy services are based at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, North West Regional Hospital (Burnie) and Mersey Community Hospital (Latrobe). Depending on the outcome of assessment in clinic your child may be referred for food challenges, skin prick testing, lung function testing or blood tests.

How to access the allergy clinic

A general practitioner referral is required, which your GP can submit on your behalf. 

Learn more on the Tasmanian Health Service Outpatient Clinics website

Your primary allergy team

Your allergy team usually begins with the following people:

Child and family/caregiver

Children, their families and caregivers are valued members of our health care team. You have a unique view on how your family works and the impact that behavioural and developmental challenges have on your everyday life. We create management plans with your input.

General practitioner (GP)

Your GP takes care of your general health needs within the community. They often provide initial assessment and can refer to a paediatrician if more specialised care is required. Your GP can provide care in between more specialist appointments and assist with prescriptions and community care plans/action plans for your family or school. They will receive updates from other professionals.

Paediatrician

Your paediatrician is a key member of your health care team, they provide specialist medical care and look at your health holistically. Your paediatrician often takes the lead in providing a diagnosis or organizes referrals for tests or assessment with other health professionals.

Immunologist or specialist allergy doctor

The immunologist or specialist allergy doctor is an expert in the investigation and management of allergies. They will review your health at each clinic appointment, make sure you receive the care and tests you need and will be involved in making decisions about your care.

Depending on individual needs the following health professionals may also provide care:

Nurse

Nurses may help your team to find out more about your allergies by performing skin prick testing, food challenges or blood tests.

Dietitian

The dietitian will assist in the assessment and management of your nutritional needs related to your condition. They will talk to you about your diet and make recommendations to support your health and growth.

Psychologist

A psychologist works with you to understand the impact your condition has on your life and helps you to overcome challenges, change behaviour and improve your mental health.

Allergy resources

Your condition explained

• ASCIA patient information - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Links to information about allergy and its management
• How Allergies Work [250K — An allergy awareness project] A video about how Allergy works specifically aimed at young people 12-25
• Links to videos about allergy and its management

Management of your condition

• ASCIA Action Plans, First Aid Plans, Treatment Plans and Checklists (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy - ASCIA) Management Plans for emergencies and travel
• Drug allergy (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy - ASCIA)
• Food allergy (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy - ASCIA)
• Insect allergy (bites and stings) (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy - ASCIA)
• The basics - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (allergyfacts.org.au) Printable information about how to live life with an allergy
• Link to videos of how to give an EpiPen, showing your friends how to give an EpiPen, school and holiday considerations

For infants

• Introduction of new foods at home (Royal Children's Hospital)
• Information about allergy and your baby, how to help prevent allergy from developing (Prevent Allergies)

For young people 12-25

• Go here for advice about how to talk to your friends about allergy, how to carry an EpiPen and be cool about it, what to think about when dating.

Tests or investigations

• Allergy testing (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy - ASCIA). All about tests for allergy.

Support organisations

• Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia The consumer support organisation for people living with or caring for others with Allergy. Go here for information about day to day living with allergy, including eating out, travel, childcare and school issues. It has links to support forums.  Advocacy and assistance with Food labelling issues
• Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) The medical and scientific authority on Allergy in Australia. Look here for handouts about specific Allergy, Medical Action Plans for emergencies or travel, online first aide course first aide courses

View additional resources from the Child Health (Paediatrics) team

Other support

Family Support Services

Some families may require increased support through a community organisation due to the complexity of their situation or other vulnerabilities.

Learn more on the Strong Families Safe Kids website

School

Tasmanian Government schools can access extra support or services to meet health and disability needs. It is important to discuss any individual requirements with school staff.

Learn more on the Department of Education website