Allergy and Asthma Program

Who we are

The Allergy Program at Boston Children's Hospital evaluates children with all types of allergy problems.  We also conduct skin testing to determine what your child is allergic to.

Allergies are the immune system’s reaction to certain foreign substances called allergens. Common allergens include dust mites, pollen, pet dander, stinging insect, medications, and food. When your immune system reacts to these allergens by coughing, sneezing or wheezing, it means you’re allergic to it.

Treatments are designed to suppress the allergic reaction so that your child can be safely exposed to the allergens and have the symptoms treated when they occur. Our treatment approaches range from environmental controls to immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Download our fact sheet to learn more about the Allergy and Asthma Program.

Our staff

Our program is staffed by a team of experienced clinicians, all of whom have specialized training in the care of children with allergies.  Our expert multidisciplinary staff includes:

• Allergists
• Pediatric nurses

When appropriate, we also work closely with our colleagues in the Dermatology, Psychology, Nutrition, Pulmonary, Gastroenterology and Otolaryngology programs to ensure that every child receives the most comprehensive and coordinated care. Physicians in our program also collaborate with Children’s researchers to conduct clinical trials to evaluate new approaches to the treatment of allergic conditions.

An allergy doctor is on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week and we pride ourselves on how accessible we are to families.  If your child has a problem or you have a question, call the Children’s Hospital page operator at (617) 355-6369 and ask for the allergy doctor on call. Visit the Your Appointment tab for a list of additional important numbers.

Our expertise

Within our program exists the Atopic Dermatitis Center, which treats children with severe eczema and food allergies. In addition to these, our program treats other allergic problems that your child may have, such as asthma, respiratory distress, hay fever, hives and reactions to medicine and vaccines.

We work in collaboration with your child’s primary care physician create an individualized treatment plan outlining steps you and your child can take at home to treat your child’s allergies.

We also offer various support groups and workshops for children and parents on topics including learning to cope with having a food allergy and controlling asthma.

Our mission

Our mission is to provide optimal care to our patients and to promote understanding and research into allergic disorders.