Le Bonheur treats more children with allergy and immunology problems than any other diagnosis. At Le Bonheur, board-certified pediatric allergists and immunologists perform comprehensive laboratory testing to diagnose children's condition.

Common Conditions Treated

Asthma
Asthma, which is usually caused by allergens, restricts air in and out of the lungs. Pediatric asthma cases continue to rise. Asthma is one of the main causes for childhood hospitalization and missed school. Many resources exist to help children and families cope with asthma. Please ask your pediatrician or make an appointment with a pediatric allergist to help develop a plan to manage your child's asthma.

Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis (rhI-nI-tis) is an inflammation of the nasal passageways, often with discharge. It is often caused by pet dander, mold, dust or other inhaled allergens. 

Immune disorders
Immune disorders occur when an immune system produces antibodies to attack its own healthy cells and tissue. Disorders can affect one part or many parts of the body. Symptoms may come and go, which is why the disorders may be challenging to diagnose and treat. The immunologist may work with an interdisciplinary team (such as rheumatologists or cardiologists) depending on the child's type of disorder.

Allergic Reactions to Food, Insects and Drugs
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of food allergies is on the rise. Although the cause of the rise is not well understood, approximately 90 percent of food-allergies can be associated with a cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soybeans and wheat. The severity of the reaction will determine the course of treatment.

Skin allergies
Skin allergies can be caused by a variety of different conditions. Some common skin conditions are rashes, hives and eczema (ex-zeh-ma). Your child's allergist can help you determine the cause and help manage the symptoms.

Allergy Testing
Pediatric allergists and immunologists may perform skin tests, blood tests or pulmonary function tests (to determine lung functions) to help diagnose your child. Your child's physician will help you determine the best way to treat the allergy.

Community Health Services
Our Community Health Services are based on the school-health model advocated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our staff serves 190 schools and almost 125,000 students a year, with more than 20 percent of resources focused on children with asthma, sinusitis and other allergic conditions. The staff provides intensive case management services for children with asthma and interacts with the physicians, school staff, and parents to develop the best care plan for home and school. In addition, in-services are provided for school staff.

The goals of the Open Airways Asthma Education Program are to decrease nighttime symptoms, decrease absenteeism, and decrease the need to use the Emergency Department. During the program, case managers tracked school absences before and after participation in the course. They saw a 50-percent reduction in the number of school absences. School systems across the country are using the Memphis program as a model for their schools. For more information on the Open Airways Asthma Education program, please contact 901.287.5690.

Camp Wezbegon
Camp Wezbegon is a fun-filled, one week camp designed specifically for children ages 9 - 13 who have asthma. The camp's emphasis is on having fun while learning. Kids participate in a variety of outdoor activities including swimming, hiking and nature study. They also attend a daily class on asthma management. Volunteer physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists provide 24-hour medical supervision. A committee selects the campers, and services are provided free of charge. Camp Wezbegon is funded by generous donations from the Seabrook family and many other sponsors. For more information about Camp Wezbegon, contact the Respiratory Care Services Department at 901-287-6169.

Allergy and Immunology Clinics
Le Bonheur holds weekly allergy and immunology clinics. To make an appointment, please call 901.287.6073.

Find an Pediatric Allergist/Immunologist
Le Bonheur works with board-certified pediatric allergists and immunologists. To find a specialist, please click here.