Allergies Specialist
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Smita Tandon, MD
Pediatrician located in Fountain Valley, CA
From seasonal sniffles to food reactions, allergies show up differently in every child. We help you figure out what's actually going on, so your family can manage it with confidence instead of guesswork.
Every allergy plan we build is personal. What works for one child's pollen allergy may not work for another's peanut allergy, so we take the time to get it right.
Finding the Cause, Not Just Treating the Symptoms
What Are Allergies?
An allergy happens when a child's immune system reacts to a substance that is normally harmless, like pollen, pet dander, or a certain food. The immune system mistakes this substance for a threat and releases chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
Allergies affect nearly 1 in 5 children, causing everything from mild seasonal discomfort to severe reactions. Dr. Tandon and the D2K team provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you identify triggers, manage daily symptoms, and protect your child's long-term health.
Emergency notice: anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a sudden, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate action. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat swelling, dizziness, or widespread hives. If your child shows these symptoms, use their epinephrine auto-injector immediately and call 911.
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Understanding Allergy Symptoms
Allergies can manifest differently in every child. Common signs include:
Common Symptoms
| Type | What It May Look Like |
|---|---|
| Nose & Eyes Common | Recurrent sneezing, a clear runny nose, chronic congestion, and itchy, watery eyes |
| Skin Common | Hives, itchy rashes, or chronic flare-ups of eczema (atopic dermatitis) |
| Stomach Food-Related | Abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting, or diarrhea following exposure to specific foods |
Common Pediatric Allergens We Manage
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Environmental Triggers Seasonal | Seasonal pollens (trees, grass, weeds), pet dander, mold spores, and dust mites |
| Food Allergens Common | Cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, and soy |
| Insect Hypersensitivity Watch | Localized or systemic reactions to bee stings, wasp stings, or insect bites |
| Chemical & Medication Less Common | Reactions to specific prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or topical products |
How We Diagnose & Manage Allergies
We follow the trusted guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to provide proactive, comprehensive care without overwhelming your child. Here is what the process typically looks like:
Detailed History
We review your child's symptoms, timing, family history, and any patterns you've noticed at home, school, or outdoors.
Physical Exam
We check your child's skin, eyes, nose, and lungs for signs consistent with allergic reactions.
Allergy Testing Referral
When complex or invasive testing is required, such as skin prick testing, we refer your family to a trusted pediatric allergist for further evaluation.
Personalized Allergy Action Plan
We build a clear, written plan covering daily management, medication use, trigger avoidance, and what to do if a reaction happens.
Every family with a diagnosed allergy leaves with a written Allergy Action Plan. We are also happy to provide documentation for schools and caregivers so everyone knows what to watch for and what to do.
Our Approach to Allergy Care
Once we understand your child's allergies, ongoing care typically includes:
Customized management plans. Personalized, day-to-day care strategies using safe antihistamine protocols and advanced skin therapies to keep environmental allergies and eczema under control.
Anaphylaxis preparedness. Expert screening, accurate weight-based dosing prescriptions for epinephrine auto-injectors, and detailed Action Plans for your child's school or daycare.
Avoidance and nutrition education. Practical, evidence-based allergen avoidance strategies and cross-contamination prevention techniques, so your child stays safe without unnecessary dietary restrictions.
Trusted specialist referrals. When complex testing is required, we connect your family with the area's top pediatric allergists and coordinate their findings into your child's ongoing care.
When to Call Us vs. When to Seek Emergency Care
Most allergy symptoms can be managed at home with your child's action plan. It's important to know when symptoms call for more urgent attention.
Occasional sneezing, mild itching, or a small localized rash
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