Allergies
Dr Scott Parsons
The author, has worked as a general practitioner with a special interest in paediatrics for the last 20 years. He has developed this website in order to help parents with the task of raising children. He currently works at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne in the Emergency Department and also the associated cohealth GP clinic.
Affiliations
The website content is based on evidenced based guidelines. There are no commercial affiliations.
Wheeze in 1-5 year olds
Many toddlers and young children will experience ‘wheezy’ episodes associated with a cough and runny nose. This article helps parents manage wheezy toddlers.
Introduction to Food Allergy
What is food allergy ? A food allergy is where the body reacts in a clear and abnormal way after ingestion of a food. The food sets off an immunological cascade resulting in the release of chemicals that are responsible for the allergy. There are two kinds. Immediate reactions, also called IgE reactions where a […]
Sublingual Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a term used to try and alter the response of the immune system to an allergen. An allergen causes an allergic reaction. Sublingual immunotherapy refers to a desensitisation process where drops or dissolvable tablets are placed under the tongue on a daily basis to slowly lessen the allergic response to a specific allergen.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis used to be called hayfever. But there is no fever and hay is not really a factor in suburban Australia. But this condition causes considerable distress and results in sneezing, itchy, blocked nose, and often the eyes are involved. The good news is that it is treatable, and desensitisation is possible in some cases.
Cows Milk Protein Allergy
What is it ? When coming into contact with cow’s milk the most common abnormal reaction is a dermatitis that develops within the hour. This can be generalised or localised to the face and mouth area. Ocassionally the reaction is more severe, with the development of welts and hives and even problems breathing. Some […]
Dust Mite Allergy
How does this allergy happen ? To be allergic you need to have a genetic tendency. Usually there is a family history of allergies. This tendency means that the immune system, instead of ignoring dust mite as non threatening, will react in an aggressive way. The proteins (allergens) from the dust mite collect in […]