Elgin area parents ask, “When should my child see a pediatric allergist?”

Posted By: | Published On: | Allergy Treatment
Elgin area parents ask, “When should my child see a pediatric allergist?”

If your child is suffering from allergies or asthma, it can greatly affect his or her quality of life. Missed school days and missed activities are common “side effects” of pediatric allergies. Just like adults, children are susceptible to a wide variety of allergies and related conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, hives, sinus problems and food allergies. At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates in Crystal Lake, our team has years of experience diagnosing and treating pediatric allergies.

Causes of pediatric allergies

Pediatric allergies are the immune system’s response to a specific substance that it sees as a threat. The immune system’s response upon exposure produces symptoms that can range from mild to severe. While it can take several exposures to an allergen before most children develop an allergy, sometimes the allergy can develop after one exposure.

While children with a family history of allergies are at a greater risk, children may still develop an allergy or asthma even if neither parent has allergies.

Symptoms of pediatric allergies

Allergy symptoms can vary, the most common include:

  • Watery, itchy eyes
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Chest congestion
  • Coughing
  • Skin itching
  • Hives
  • Swelling

Helping your child find relief

Having your child evaluated for allergies is the first step. During the first appointment, we will take a medical history along with asking a series of questions to determine the potential cause of the allergy. Specific tests may be ordered at this time.

Treatment depends on the type of allergy and its cause. Typically, treatment may include one or more of the following:

  • Avoidance
  • Medications – Antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants, corticosteroids
  • Eye Drops
  • Allergy shots

If you believe your child may be suffering from allergies or allergy related conditions, please call our Elgin area office at (847) 888-8802 today to schedule an evaluation with our team.

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Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates

Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

Amy Schack, a distinguished board-certified Physician Associate, brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. Specializing in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and rashes, Amy is renowned for her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach. With a background in immediate care and orthopedics, she holds a Master's in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. A member of esteemed professional associations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Amy Schack instills confidence, ensuring you can trust her unwavering dedication to your health and well-being.


Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.


Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.


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