Can allergies develop later in life?

Yes, it's possible to develop allergies at any age, even if you didn't have them as a child. Regular evaluation is important for proper diagnosis and management.

What should I do if I suspect my child has a food allergy?

Avoid the suspected food and consult with an allergist for testing and a management plan.

How do I know if my child has asthma?

Symptoms include frequent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. A proper diagnosis involves lung function tests like spirometry or Forced Oscillometry Test and medical evaluation.

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis and what should I do?

Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, and a rapid heartbeat. Immediate administration of epinephrine and emergency medical care is crucial.

Can children outgrow their allergies?

Some children may outgrow certain allergies, such as milk or egg allergies, but others, like peanut allergies, can persist. Some children with wheezing may have lesser wheezing episodes or coughing episodes as and when they grow older, however few children may continue to have wheezing for long time. Its very important to do Lung function test like spirometry or Forced Oscillometry test to identify the nature of the disease and give more detailed information.

What is the difference between a reliever and a controller inhaler?

Reliever inhalers provide quick relief from asthma symptoms, while controller inhalers are used daily to prevent symptoms.

How can I manage my asthma symptoms?

Management includes using prescribed inhalers, avoiding triggers, and following an asthma action plan.We can discuss in detail after consulting and understanding the patient

What should I expect during an allergy test?

Allergy testing may involve skin prick tests or blood tests to identify specific allergens. The tests are relatively quick and results are usually available within a short period.For Skin Prick test – you should be avoiding Anti Histamines, Anti Psychotics for at least 1wk before you can get the Skin prick testFor Blood test you don’t have to avoid any medications before the test.

What is allergen immunotherapy?

Allergen immunotherapy, or Allergy shots, involves administering gradually increasing doses of allergens to build tolerance and reduce symptoms.

What types of allergies do you treat?

We treat a wide range of allergies including Allergic Rhinitis (hay Fever), Asthma, food allergies, seasonal allergies, pet allergies, Insect allergies and drug allergies.

Where to go in case of emergency if clinic is closed or pediatrician is not available?

Please visit Manipal Hospital = Old Airport road or Ovum hospital – Kalyan Nagar, or you can also visit your nearest hospital

What is the consultation fee of the Pediatrician?

Consultation fee will be 500rs for visiting pediatrician and if you need to follow up within 1 week the it will be charged 250rs within 1 week of first consultation

Do you offer telemedicine appointments?

Yes, we provide telemedicine consultations for certain conditions and follow-up visits. Please inform the appointment number 9663358193 about online consultation

What are common childhood illnesses and their symptoms?

Common illnesses include colds, ear infections, strep throat, and stomach flu. Symptoms vary but can include fever, cough, sore throat, and stomach pain.

How can I manage my child's nutrition and dietary needs?

We offer guidance on balanced diets, managing picky eating, and addressing any specific dietary concerns.

What should I do if my child has a fever?

For mild fevers, ensure your child stays hydrated and rests. Please use the fever medicine prescribed by your doctor in the past with the advised dose and schedule also please book appointment and visit us.

What vaccinations does my child need?

Vaccinations are recommended based on the IAP Vaccine Schedule, Please look at the blog for more details about immunization schedule.

Do you offer same-day sick appointments?

Yes, we strive to accommodate same-day appointments for sick children.

What should I bring to my child’s appointment?

Bring any relevant medical records, a list of medications your child is taking, and any questions you have.

How often should my child see a pediatrician?

Regular check-ups are recommended: newborn visits, followed by Vaccination visits in the first year, biannual visits in the second year, and annual visits thereafter.

What age groups do you treat?

We treat children from birth through adolescence. ) to 18 years of age for General Illness for Allergy and Asthma we manage for all age groups pediatric as well as adult age groups

What services do you offer for children?

We provide comprehensive pediatric care including routine check-ups, vaccinations, treatment for common illnesses, growth monitoring, Nutrition and management of chronic conditions.

Dr Balachandra BV

What is Spirometry How It Helps in Early Detection of Respiratory Problems in Children

https://d2vvc091k8tmib.cloudfront.net/s3fs-public/2025-03/spirometry_1.webp

Dr Balachandra BV 05 March 2025

As a Pediatrician and Allergy Asthma Specialist, I often come across children who suffer from chronic cough, wheezing, or breathing difficulties. While these symptoms may seem minor or seasonal, they could be indicators of underlying respiratory issues. One of the most effective tools we use to evaluate lung function in such cases is a test called Spirometry.

What is Spirometry?

Spirometry is a simple, non-invasive lung function test that measures how much air your child can inhale and exhale, and how quickly they can do it. It helps us assess how well the lungs are working and detect any narrowing or obstruction in the airways — which is commonly seen in asthma, allergic bronchitis, and other chronic respiratory conditions.

In children above 5–6 years of age who can follow instructions, spirometry is a powerful diagnostic tool. It not only helps us diagnose respiratory problems early but also assists in tracking progress and response to treatment over time.

Why is Early Detection Important?

In children, respiratory issues like asthma or allergic rhinitis may go unnoticed or be mistaken for frequent colds or viral infections. This often leads to overuse of antibiotics, delayed diagnosis, and avoidable complications.

Early detection through spirometry allows us to:

Diagnose asthma accurately
Assess the severity of airway obstruction
Monitor lung function regularly
Adjust medications as needed
Prevent long-term lung damage

As someone who practices a minimal antibiotic policy, I emphasize the importance of identifying the root cause of recurring symptoms. Spirometry helps us do just that.

How is Spirometry Performed in Children?

Many parents worry about whether their child will be able to undergo the test. The good news is that spirometry is completely safe and painless. The child is asked to take a deep breath and blow into a special mouthpiece connected to a spirometer. The machine records the amount and speed of air exhaled.

I take extra care to make the process child-friendly and ensure that the child is comfortable and understands the procedure. In some cases, we may conduct a bronchodilator reversibility test to see how lung function improves after using an inhaler — a key indicator in diagnosing asthma.

When Should You Consider Spirometry for Your Child?

If your child has any of the following, it may be time to talk to your pediatrician about spirometry:

Repeated episodes of cough or wheezing
Shortness of breath during play or activity
Noisy breathing or chest tightness
Frequent night-time coughing
Family history of asthma or allergies

Final Thoughts

As a pediatrician and allergy specialist, I believe that early detection and timely intervention are the keys to better long-term respiratory health. Spirometry plays a crucial role in helping us understand your child’s lung function and tailor treatment accordingly. If you suspect your child may have breathing issues, don't hesitate to consult a specialist and ask about spirometry.

Your child’s lungs are precious – let’s care for them early and wisely.