THE ABCD CONNECTION

ABCD stands for Allergies, Behavior, Chronic Infections, and Development. We take a comprehensive approach to pediatric allergies which defines allergies as a malfunction of the immune system and takes into account that they're much more than pollens and the average household pet. We look at foods, chemicals, additives, and molds as possible causes of many of the ailments from which children suffer. We recognize that allergic reactions can involve much more than the eye, nose, throat and lungs. They can affect a child's behavior, development and may even lead to many chronic medical conditions.

ALLERGIES AND THEIR CONNECTION TO YOUR CHILD'S WELL-BEING. Conventional medicine dictates that a diagnosis be based solely on a physical exam, lab test or x-ray. All too frequently doctors will automatically label a patient as being stressed, hyperactive, or any of a multitude of terms that only define a symptom if they cannot find something physically wrong with a patient. We consider ourselves medical detectives in that we concentrate our efforts on finding the underlying cause of a problem. Rather than solely prescribing a medicine that only blocks the symptom, we prefer to uncover the culprit. Then we rely on the body's own immune system to aid in the treatment. The first thing we look at when assessing patients is a complete medical history starting from childhood. This is used as a basis from which we strive to make a comprehensive clinical evaluation of the immune system, both body and mind. Because traditionally allergies have been associated with eye, nose, throat, and lung reactions, many people, doctors included, fail to consider that an ailment is in reality an allergic reaction.

The following parts of our bodies can be adversely affected by allergies: Eyes: itching, burning, redness. Nose: sneezing, post-nasal drip, congestion, stuffiness. Throat: itching, burning and pain. Respiratory: coughing and wheezing. Cardiovascular: rapid heart rate. Gastrointestinal: abdominal pain, bloating, cramps and diarrhea. Genito-urinary system: frequency and bed-wetting. Skin: eczema. Musculo-skeletal: muscle and joint pain. Central nervous system: decreased attention span, hyperactivity, irritability, fatigue, headaches, depression, mood swings, distractibility, and Jekyll and Hyde behaviors.