Allergy Diagnostics

Food Allergies

Food allergies can appear as early as infancy and toddlerhood, presenting with a wide range of symptoms — from skin reactions and gastrointestinal problems to severe allergic responses such as difficulty breathing. The most common triggers include cow's milk products, hen's eggs, nuts, fish, soy, and wheat. Accurate diagnosis is especially important, because not every physical reaction to a food is an allergy. In a true food allergy, the immune system mistakenly attacks harmless proteins and produces antibodies; an intolerance such as lactose intolerance, by contrast, is a digestive issue in which the body cannot properly process certain substances. Diagnosis involves a detailed medical history along with allergy tests or controlled provocation tests. Treatment focuses primarily on individualized nutritional counseling, avoidance of the relevant allergens, and regular monitoring of how the allergy develops over time. Many food allergies — particularly those to cow's milk or egg — can resolve on their own, while others may persist for life.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin conditions in infants, toddlers, and children. It is estimated that approximately one in five children experiences symptoms of this condition at least temporarily. The disease typically follows a relapsing course, characterized by dry, sensitive skin, intense bouts of itching, and inflammatory eczema. In infants, symptoms often appear on the cheeks, forehead, and scalp; as children get older, the affected areas frequently shift to the inner elbows and knees, the hands, neck, and face. The itching can be particularly distressing — often intense and relentless — leading to sleep disturbances, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. It is now well understood that atopic dermatitis is far more than a purely skin-related condition. It involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, an impaired skin barrier, and changes in the immune system. The skin loses excessive amounts of moisture and can no longer fully carry out its natural protective function against external irritants such as allergens, pathogens, and environmental factors.
Because severity varies considerably from case to case, a thorough diagnostic assessment is the first priority, during which possible triggers and aggravating factors — such as food allergies, emotional stress, or fragrances — are identified. The cornerstone of any treatment is consistent skin care that strengthens the damaged skin barrier and prevents it from drying out. Depending on severity, anti-inflammatory creams and immunomodulatory therapies may also be used, and psychological support is an option as well. Of particular importance is educating and advising parents, including practical guidance on skin care, nutrition, daily routine management, and how to handle acute flare-ups.

Hay Fever

During pollen season, many young people suffer from sneezing, a runny and/or blocked nose, red and itchy eyes, itchy skin, sleep disturbances, and the resulting difficulty concentrating. Left untreated, a pollen allergy can worsen over the years and, in some cases, spread to the lower airways — a progression physicians refer to as the "floor change," in which hay fever develops into allergic asthma. Early diagnosis through modern allergy testing is therefore important in order to accurately identify the causative allergens. Hay fever is treated with individually tailored medications — such as nasal sprays, eye drops, and antihistamine syrups — as well as measures to reduce allergen exposure in everyday life. Depending on the findings, hyposensitization may also be recommended to address the underlying cause of the allergy in a targeted and lasting way.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and constitutes a medical emergency, as it can become life-threatening within minutes. Triggers include foods, medications, and insect venoms, among others. Symptoms range from skin reactions and breathing difficulties or shortness of breath to circulatory failure. After surviving an anaphylactic event, affected families often face considerable uncertainty in daily life. For this reason, identifying the trigger, providing appropriate medical care, and above all ensuring comprehensive education are central priorities. Following a thorough investigation of the cause, the pediatrician draws up an individual emergency action plan and prescribes emergency medications. Parents, children, and other caregivers receive training on how to respond correctly in an emergency and on the safe use of an emergency kit, including an adrenaline auto-injector. The child should always carry an emergency pass, and one should never hesitate to call emergency services.

Hyposensitization

Hyposensitization, also known as desensitization, is the only form of therapy that addresses the root cause of certain allergies. While medications primarily relieve symptoms, this treatment aims to gradually accustom the immune system to the triggering allergen so that allergic reactions can be reduced — and even prevented — over the long term. It is particularly effective for pollen allergies, house dust mite allergies, and certain insect venom allergies. Depending on the type of allergy, treatment is administered via tablets, drops, or injections and typically extends over several years. The goal is not only to reduce current symptoms but also to lower the risk of secondary conditions such as allergic asthma.

Nutritional Counseling for Children

A healthy, balanced diet is the foundation for healthy growth, normal physical development, and a well-functioning immune system. At the same time, allergies, intolerances, chronic conditions, or special dietary requirements can present families with significant challenges. At the pediatrician's practice, individualized nutritional counseling is used to analyze each child's dietary and eating habits and align them with the child's specific health needs. The focus is not on rigid diet plans but on family-friendly, practical solutions that are easy to put into practice. The goal is always to ensure a balanced supply of all essential nutrients without unnecessarily limiting children's quality of life.

Sleep Coaching for Children

Restorative sleep is one of the most important foundations for a child's physical and mental development. During sleep, the brain processes new impressions, the immune system is strengthened, the body regenerates, and key growth processes take place. Yet many babies and toddlers struggle with difficulty falling asleep, frequent nighttime waking, restless sleep, or sleep habits that are unusual for their age. The consequences of these difficult nights can affect both the child and the entire family, resulting in fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and reduced resilience. Sleep coaching therefore begins with an analysis of the possible causes of sleep problems. Factors such as sleep rhythms, daily routines, eating habits, and family routines all play an important role. Based on this analysis, individualized strategies are developed to help establish healthy sleep habits and reinforce them over the long term. Parents receive practical guidance as well as evidence-based recommendations for everyday family life.