Pediatric Allergies: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Strategies for Primary Care

Pediatric allergic conditions are among the most common chronic diseases affecting children, with prevalence steadily increasing in both urban and rural populations. From food allergies and atopic dermatitis to allergic rhinitis and asthma, these conditions can significantly impact a child’s quality of life, growth, and academic performance. Effective management requires timely diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and close collaboration between primary care providers and pediatric allergists.

This CME/CE course delivers a comprehensive update on the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric allergies, with a focus on integrating new evidence into primary care practice. Participants will explore advances in diagnostic tools such as component-resolved diagnostics, skin prick testing, and serum-specific IgE testing, as well as interpretation of these results in complex clinical presentations.

Emerging therapies, including biologics (e.g., dupilumab, omalizumab), sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), and novel oral immunotherapy (OIT) protocols for food allergies are reviewed in-depth, providing clinicians with insights into when to refer and how to co-manage these patients with allergists. The course also addresses the increasing number of atypical or delayed presentations of allergic diseases—such as non-IgE-mediated food allergies, eosinophilic esophagitis, and allergy-induced behavioral changes—often misdiagnosed or missed in general practice.

Special emphasis is placed on developing multidisciplinary care strategies, enhancing shared decision-making with families, and understanding the role of environmental control, education, and comorbidity management in allergic children. Participants will learn how to develop stepwise management plans tailored to individual patients and how to navigate challenges related to allergen avoidance, school accommodations, and emergency preparedness.

This course empowers pediatric and primary care providers to take a proactive and informed role in allergy diagnosis and management—resulting in earlier intervention, fewer referrals, and better health outcomes for allergic children.

Educational Objectives

• Describe the latest advances in pediatric allergy diagnostics, including IgE testing and component-resolved diagnostics.
• Discuss emerging therapies for allergic conditions in children, such as biologics and immunotherapy approaches.
• Recognize atypical presentations of allergic diseases, including non-IgE-mediated and delayed-onset symptoms.
• Facilitate effective collaboration between primary care providers and pediatric allergists for comprehensive patient care.
• Develop individualized treatment plans that integrate education, environmental control, and pharmacologic therapy.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is designed for:

• Pediatricians managing allergic conditions in routine and acute care settings
• Primary Care Physicians, Internists, and Family Medicine practitioners who are diagnosing and treating allergic diseases
• Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants working in outpatient pediatric and family practice clinics
• Allergy and Immunology providers seeking an overview of primary care-aligned strategies

It is beneficial for providers involved in chronic disease management, school health coordination, and interdisciplinary care planning.

Did You Know?

• Over 8% of U.S. children have a diagnosed food allergy, with increasing prevalence over the last two decades. (JAMA, 2018)
• Allergic rhinitis affects nearly 10–30% of children and is a leading cause of missed school days. (American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2022)
• Biologics such as omalizumab have been shown to significantly reduce asthma exacerbations in allergic children. (NEJM, 2011)
• Component-resolved diagnostics can improve diagnostic accuracy for peanut and tree nut allergies. (Pediatrics, 2020)
• Delayed allergic reactions are a common feature of non-IgE-mediated food allergies like FPIES and EoE. (J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2019)