We treat more children with allergy and immunology conditions than any other diagnosis. Our board-certified pediatric allergists and immunologists perform comprehensive laboratory and allergy skin testing to diagnose a child’s condition. We conduct research and consult a network of experts at other children’s hospitals on complex cases. A multidisciplinary team, including a respiratory therapist and sometimes dietitians, cares for each patient. Additionally, pediatric specialists from cardiology, critical care, hematology, neurology, pulmonology, gastroenterology and rheumatology may be part of the child’s care team.
How We Test
Our team uses a variety of tests and procedures to determine the best care for your child. Procedures may include:
- Allergy skin tests
- Bronchial challenge
- Circulating eosinophil count
- EIA tests
- Penicillin skin testing
- Pulmonary function studies
- RAST testing
- Secretion cytology
- Serum immunoglobulin levels
- Flow cytometry
- T cell function
- B cell function
- Dihydrorhodamine
Before your visit
No antihistamines should be taken for three days (72 hours) prior to your child’s initial allergy visit. If your child is taking atarax (hydroxyzine) this medication should be stopped 7 days prior to the appointment.
Improving Asthma Care
Asthma quality initiatives like education and new protocols have lowered readmission rates of children with asthma, the most common diagnosis of Le Bonheur patients.
We are working to improve the care of children with asthma in our community through the CHAMP (Changing High-Risk Asthma in Memphis through Partnership) program.
A Pediatric Asthma Score in the hospital helps clinicians identify when a children’s condition is declining and established protocol for them to intervene quickly. Asthma educators also work with families to teach them about asthma triggers and how to respond when an asthma attack is imminent. As a result, many patients who were once hospitalized when asthma attacks grew severe are now treated earlier at home.
