Allergies are a common health concern among children and can affect daily life, school performance, and overall well-being. Allergic reactions occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as harmful, triggering symptoms that range from mild to severe. At Vista Medical Center, providers evaluate, diagnose, and manage allergies in children to help them stay healthy and active.
Led by Dr. Haroon Rashid, Vista Medical Center offers pediatric-focused services across Northern Virginia. With convenient locations in Crystal City, North Arlington, and Annandale, our team provides trusted allergy care for families seeking answers and relief.
What Are Pediatric Allergies?
Pediatric allergies occur when a child’s immune system overreacts to specific triggers, known as allergens. These may include foods, environmental factors, or insect stings. Unlike intolerances, allergies can cause a range of immune-related symptoms that sometimes require immediate treatment.
Common Allergy Triggers in Children
Children may react to a variety of allergens, including:
- Foods – Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish
- Environmental factors – Pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander
- Insect stings – Bees, wasps, or other stinging insects
- Medications – Certain antibiotics or over-the-counter medicines
Symptoms of Allergies in Children
Allergy symptoms can vary depending on the trigger and severity of the reaction. Common symptoms include:
- Sneezing, runny nose, or nasal congestion
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- Skin reactions such as hives, eczema, or swelling
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting (especially with food allergies)
- Severe reaction (anaphylaxis), which requires emergency treatment
Diagnosing Allergies
At Vista Medical Center, allergy evaluation begins with a detailed medical history and symptom review. Diagnosis may include:
- Skin prick testing – To identify immediate allergic responses
- Blood testing – Measuring immune system response to specific allergens
- Elimination diets – Temporarily removing foods to confirm food allergies
- Environmental review – Identifying possible triggers in the home or school setting
Managing Pediatric Allergies
Although allergies cannot always be cured, symptoms can be effectively managed with a tailored care plan. Treatment may include:
- Allergen avoidance – Helping families reduce exposure to triggers
- Medications – Such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, or inhalers
- Epinephrine auto-injectors – Prescribed for children at risk of severe reactions
- Education – Teaching families, schools, and caregivers how to recognize and respond to allergic reactions
- Specialist referral – When needed, children may be referred to an allergist for advanced care
Why Choose Vista Medical Center?
Families choose Vista Medical Center for allergy care because of:
- Experienced Providers – Skilled in identifying and managing pediatric allergies
- Comprehensive Services – Diagnosis, treatment, and education all in one place
- Convenient Locations – Crystal City, North Arlington, and Annandale, open daily from 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Family-Focused Care – Supporting children and parents with personalized treatment plans
Supporting Children with Allergies
Allergies can affect many aspects of a child’s life, but with proper care, children can remain healthy and active. Vista Medical Center partners with families to provide trusted diagnosis and management. For more information, contact Crystal City (703) 558-4922, North Arlington (703) 300-9179, Annandale (703) 256-7200.
