Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

Allergies are among the most common chronic conditions affecting children. UNC Children’s board-certified allergist-immunologists are experts in caring for kids with allergies and other immune conditions.

You’ll get more than just expert diagnosis and advanced treatments—including opportunities to participate in the types of promising new therapies available at an academic medical center. You’ll also benefit from the support of UNC Children’s physicians and nurses who understand the emotional and social challenges of growing up with allergies.

Conditions

Conditions We Treat

Find diagnosis and treatment for all allergic and immunological disorders, including:

Allergies – Sneezing, itching, swelling, rashes or other symptoms caused by the immune system reacting to a substance that doesn’t bother most people
- Environmental allergies – Caused by particles in the air, such as pollens, dust mites, animal dander, and mold
- Drug allergies – Triggered by a medication, such as an antibiotic
- Food allergies – Caused by a particular protein found in a food
- Stinging insect allergies – Caused by venom from an insect sting
Skin allergies, including atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and angioedema (swelling)
Asthma – Recurrent, episodic lung disease characterized by cough and wheeze; associated with exercise, viral infection, pollution, and exposure to airborne allergens
Autoimmune disorders – Immune system attacks on healthy body tissue
Chronic sinusitis – Inflamed, swollen sinuses lasting for more than 12 weeks
Primary immune deficiency disorders (PIDD) – Weakened immune system that increases the potential for infections and illness

Please note that none of our Allergy, Immunology, or Rheumatology providers manage PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) or PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) diagnoses.

Services

Pediatric Allergy & Immunology Services

UNC Children's offers comprehensive care for pediatric allergies and immune disorders. Take advantage of the following approaches:

Allergy skin test – Places a tiny amount of an allergen on to the skin to test for environmental, food, and stinging insect allergies (stinging insect and drug allergy skin testing are longer procedures and therefore not able to be done at initial appointments)
Allergy blood test – Detects the specific IgE antibodies that cause allergies
Food challenge tests – Definitively tests your child for food allergies by gradually increasing exposing him or her to increasing amounts of a particular food to see if it causes an allergic reaction (longer procedure not done at initial appointment)
Pediatric pulmonary function tests (PFTs) – Assesses how well your child’s lungs work
Allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) – Decreases symptoms of allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma and stinging insect allergies
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) – Decreases symptoms of allergic rhinitis by using quickly dissolving tablets placed under the tongue
Treatment of severe asthma with omalizumab (Xoiair) and other immunological treatments
Prescription medications
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy – Replaces antibodies through infusion therapy to help your body protect itself from bacteria, viruses, and other things that make you sick; used to treat immunodeficiency disorders