Neonatology

Pediatric Immunology and Allergy

Pediatric immunology and allergy is a field concerned with disorders of the immune system in children, ranging from primary immunodeficiencies to hypersensitivity reactions such as asthma, eczema, food allergies, and allergic rhinitis. Children with immune system dysfunction may experience recurrent infections, poor growth, autoimmune complications, or life-threatening allergic responses. Primary immunodeficiency disorders, although rare, often present early in life with severe bacterial, viral, or fungal infections and require specialized diagnostic testing including flow cytometry, immunoglobulin quantification, and genetic analysis. Prompt diagnosis is essential to prevent irreversible damage and initiate treatments such as immunoglobulin replacement therapy, prophylactic antibiotics, or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. On the other hand, allergic diseases are increasingly common and are linked to environmental exposures, dietary changes, and genetic susceptibility. Food allergies may manifest as skin rashes, vomiting, respiratory difficulty, or anaphylaxis, requiring rapid intervention with epinephrine and long-term avoidance of allergens. Asthma, the most prevalent chronic respiratory disorder in children, involves inflammation and hyper-responsiveness of the airways, and is managed through inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and personalized action plans. Pediatric allergists utilize skin prick testing, serum-specific immunoglobulin E measurements, and elimination diets to identify triggers and guide therapy. Immunotherapy is an emerging treatment option for selected allergies, providing gradual desensitization to offending allergens. Education of families, schools, and caregivers is crucial in the management of allergic disorders to prevent accidental exposures and ensure emergency preparedness. Psychosocial effects of chronic immune or allergic conditions, such as anxiety, social exclusion, and dietary limitations, must be addressed through supportive counseling and multidisciplinary care. Research in pediatric immunology is advancing rapidly, with new insights into the microbiome, epigenetic regulation, and biologic therapies that target specific inflammatory pathways. These developments hold the potential to not only manage but also modify the course of immune-mediated diseases in children. Equitable access to specialized immunology services and allergy diagnostics remains a global health priority, especially as allergic diseases continue to rise in prevalence across all socioeconomic settings.