Allergy/Immunology
Who we are
The Division of Allergy and Immunology at Boston Children’s Hospital diagnoses and treats children, adolescents and adults with allergic disorders and immunodeficiencies. This can include common allergy-related problems, such as food- and pet-allergies, eczema and asthma, as well as more complex and rare immunodeficiencies, such as Hyper-IgM, in which the immune system fails to produce certain antibodies.
Our expertise
Clinical trials are underway to evaluate and develop new treatments for patients with allergies and immunodeficiencies. Ongoing studies include looking at the effect of allergy in immune response to small pox and the role of hormone infertility therapy in the development of childhood peanut allergy.
Ongoing studies are supported by National Institutes of Health grants in excess of $3.5 million annually.
How do you treat allergies?
Tell us how you treat allergies and see how others are answering on Bosto
n Children's newest tool: MyViewPoints. We understand that coping with medical conditions, no matter what the type, can feel daunting and overwhelming. We also understand the healing power of a community; that’s why we created My View Points.
We encourage you to use this space to share your experience, offer your advice and receive advice from others. Ask questions, offer answers and gain comfort in knowing there are others who have been down the same path as you.
A new treatment for food allergies
- At least a dozen genes are suspected of having a role in food allergies and related diseases
- Food allergies effect one in 10 children in the United States
- Children’s is working on ways to "reverse" allergies through innovative new desensitization treatments
A new view of asthma education
- Asthma is the leading cause of hospitalization at Boston Children's
- Some of the best ways to improve asthma outcomes—education and home interventions—are often not covered by insurance
- Boston Children's researchers found that for every $1 invested in asthma education over 20 years, there was a cost savings of $7 to $36
Discover: Allergy
Children with food allergies should carry two doses of emergency medicine
In a large six-year review of emergency department (ED) data, researchers at Boston Children's Hospital, in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital, found that many children with severe food-related allergic reactions need a second dose of epinephrine, suggesting that patients carrying EpiPens should carry two doses instead of one.
Fighting food allergies
Conditions & Treatments
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Managing your child's springtime allergies
As the days get longer and warmer, most people’s thoughts turn to baseball, barbecues and breaking out their summer clothes. It’s a carefree time for many, but as an allergist spring is my busy season. In the northeast trees pollinate first, which means many allergy sufferers notice symptoms as early as April. Learn more about managing your child's springtime allergies in Dr. Andrew MacGinnitie's Thriving blog post.
