A thorough first conversation
Allergy diagnosis is mostly a careful history. We take the time to understand the pattern before reaching for tests.
Services
Allergy Care
Allergies are one of the most common chronic conditions in childhood — and one of the most underdiagnosed. We help families figure out what’s actually triggering symptoms (it’s often not what you expect), build a treatment plan that works in real life, and refer to an allergist when more advanced testing or immunotherapy makes sense.
When to Call
Call us if you notice any of these
We help you decide whether to come in, go to urgent care, or call 911. When in doubt, call.
- Your child has chronic stuffy nose, sneezing, or itchy eyes that come and go with the seasons
- Persistent cough, especially at night or with exercise
- An itchy rash, hives, or eczema that flares without an obvious cause
- A reaction to a new food — swelling, hives, vomiting, or trouble breathing
- Symptoms that started after a move, a new pet, or a change at home or school
- You’re worried about a possible food allergy and don’t know where to start
What We Check
What we cover in the room
- A detailed history: what symptoms, when they happen, what makes them better or worse
- Skin findings — eczema, hives, dark circles under the eyes, the “allergic salute”
- Nose and throat for swelling, drainage, or mouth-breathing patterns
- Lungs for any wheezing or signs of asthma overlap
- Possible triggers: pollen, dust, pets, mold, foods, smoke, fragrances
- Whether basic in-office bloodwork or a referral to a pediatric allergist would help
Care We Provide
Your visit includes
Targeted testing when it helps
We can order basic allergy bloodwork in the office and refer to an allergist for skin testing or food challenges when warranted.
Step-by-step treatment plans
We start with the simplest things that work — environmental changes, antihistamines, nasal sprays — and build up only if needed.
School + daycare paperwork
We complete asthma action plans, allergy action plans, and EpiPen authorizations so school staff know exactly what to do.
Coordination with allergists
When a specialist makes sense, we refer thoughtfully and stay involved — your pediatrician keeps the whole picture.
Emergency-ready families
For families managing food allergies, we make sure you have an EpiPen, a written plan, and confidence using both.
Come Prepared
What to bring
A few small things ahead of the visit help us spend more time on your child — and less on paperwork.
- Insurance card + photo IDFor the responsible adult on the visit.
- Symptom journalWhen symptoms happen, what your child was doing, what was eaten, weather and season — patterns are the key to diagnosis.
- Current medicationsAntihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops, inhalers, EpiPens — names and doses.
- Prior allergy recordsAny past testing results, allergist notes, or food challenge reports.
FAQs
Questions families ask
Should my child be tested for allergies?
Not always. A clear history often tells us what we need to know. We test when results would change the plan — for example, to confirm a food allergy, identify environmental triggers, or guide an allergist referral. We won’t order broad panels just to “see what comes up.”
Can you do allergy testing in the office?
We can order basic allergy bloodwork (specific IgE testing) for common environmental and food allergens. For skin testing, food challenges, or immunotherapy (allergy shots), we refer to a pediatric allergist.
What’s the difference between a cold and seasonal allergies?
Colds usually last 7 to 10 days, often come with fever, and have thicker yellow-green mucus. Allergies last longer, don’t cause fever, come with itchy eyes or throat, and tend to repeat at the same time each year. If your child is “sick” every spring, it’s probably allergies.
What should I do if I think my child had a food reaction?
Stop the food and call us. If symptoms include swelling of the mouth or face, trouble breathing, vomiting, or a widespread rash, give epinephrine if prescribed and call 911. We’ll help you decide whether to confirm the diagnosis with testing or refer to an allergist.
Are over-the-counter allergy medicines safe for kids?
Many are, at the right dose for your child’s age and weight. We’ll go over what works (long-acting non-drowsy antihistamines, nasal saline, certain steroid sprays) and what to avoid. Always check with us before starting something long-term.
When do you refer to an allergist?
We refer when basic measures aren’t controlling symptoms, when we need skin testing or food challenges, when we’re considering immunotherapy, or when a child has had a serious reaction. We stay involved and coordinate care with the specialist.
Related care
You might also want to know about
Well-Child VisitsRoutine well-child visits in Woodbridge, VA — growth checks, vaccines, development screening, and school/sports forms.Learn more
Sick VisitsSame-day sick visits in Woodbridge, VA — fever, ear pain, sore throat, rashes, and more.Learn more
Ear Infection CareSame-day care for ear infections in Woodbridge, VA — careful diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and antibiotics only when they help.Learn more
Strep Throat CareSame-day strep throat testing and treatment in Woodbridge, VA.Learn more
Caring for Woodbridge families since 1999
Easy to find, with ample parking and a calm waiting area for families.
Office Hours
- Monday – Friday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
A provider is on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year.