NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
INFORMATION FOR PEDIATRIC IMMUNOLOGY AND ALLERGY PATIENTS
The Respirology and Allergy clinic provides comprehensive outpatient clinical services for children with respiratory diseases. It is comprised of asthma, allergy and general chest clinics.
Care We Provide
Care Provided by Respirologists
- Comprehensive outpatient clinical service for children with respiratory diseases or problems, including:
- Asthma
- Breathing difficulties
- Bronchiolitis
- Chronic cough
- Ciliopathies
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and CF Newborn Screening
- Recurrent pneumonia
- Respiratory sleep disorders
- Various lung conditions (e.g., Interstitial lung disease, lung disease of prematurity, genetic respiratory disease)
- Access to Skin Prick Testing for environmental allergens
- Access to Pediatric Pulmonary Function & Exercise Stress Testing through our Medical Diagnostic Unit (MDU).
Please note that we do not accept referrals for:
- Asthma Education ONLY
Care Provided by Allergists
- Comprehensive outpatient clinical service for children with Allergic diseases or problems including:
- Allergic or non-allergic rhinitis
- Allergic reactions, including Anaphylaxis
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Food allergies
- Urticaria
- Access to Skin Prick Testing for food and environmental allergens
- Access to Pediatric Pulmonary Function & Exercise Stress Testing through our Medical Diagnostic Unit (MDU).
Please note that we do not accept referrals for:
- Asthma Education ONLY
- Drug/Medication, Venom allergies. These referrals should be sent to the Firestone Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
- Please note that referrals for vaccine-related reactions are triaged through a separate “Special Immunization Clinic” here at McMaster Children’s Hospital. A referral can be sent to (905) 521-2654
What to Expect
How to prepare
- We strive to provide comprehensive, family-centered, multi-disciplinary team care to our patients. Thus, the initial appointment is typically longer than follow-up appointments. Please prepare to be here for 1-2 hours (on average), especially if your child is booked for pre-visit pulmonary function testing
- Allergy skin-prick testing is often completed during the appointment. To avoid affecting the results, we ask that you have your child avoid antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl, Reactine, Claritin, Aerius, etc.) FOUR days prior to the appointment. Allergy Skin-prick Testing involves introducing a small amount of the substance, or allergen onto the surface of the skin in the form of a “poke”. We utilize small devices called “Duotips” which are NOT needles. Skin-prick testing may be uncomfortable for your child. Please feel free to bring tools of distraction or items your child might find comforting.
- If your child was referred to us for an “Oral Food Challenge”, please note that your child’s first visit is a consultation ONLY, and will not involve feeding. We often require repeat allergy testing to confirm the diagnosis before arranging for an Oral Food Challenge
What to bring
- Your child’s Health Card. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care requires us to validate your health card at every clinic visit
- Any relevant test results (x-rays) or letters from your child’s doctor or pediatrician.
- Any notes or questions that you may have
- List of current allergies
- Medications, including aerochambers and puffers
When you arrive, please check-in at the reception desk. The Business Clerk will register you in the electronic system so that your team will know that you have arrived.
Note: If your child is ill with any antibiotic resistant organism, MRSA, a communicable disease (such as Chicken Pox), or a respiratory infection, please notify reception staff prior to your scheduled appointment. Our clinic number is (905) 521-2100 x 73861/75253
Oral Food Challenges
Oral Food Challenge (OFC) involves the slow and cautious introduction of food into the child’s diet. If your child has a food allergy and is a current patient of ours, an OFC may be suggested to confirm the presence of an allergy. You and your child would have instructions and recommendations provided to you by your physician. Please review the following documents prior to your child’s OFC appointment. Please contact your physician if you have any questions.
Team Members
Our interdisciplinary team includes: Respirologists, Allergists, Physiotherapist, Nursing staff (Registered Nurse, Registered Practical Nurse, Nurse Practitioner), Registered dietitian, Child Life Specialist, Social Worker.
Referral Process
The referral process is made through a direct referral from a Doctor or Nurse Practitioner. Referrals can be faxed directly to the clinic. Click the link below to download our referral form.
Respirology & Allergy Service referral form
Urgent Referrals: The clinics are not for emergencies. If your child needs to be seen on an urgent basis, please contact your family doctor or go to your local emergency department.
Contact Information
- For general booking inquiries, please contact the pediatric clinic at (905) 521-2100 x 73861/75253.
- For Pediatric Respirologists Dr. Anya McLaren-Barnett, Dr. Kevan Mehta, Dr. Linda Pedder, contact (905) 521-2100 x 73508.
- For Pediatric Allergist/Immunologists Dr. Paul Keith, Dr. Susan Waserman, contact (905) 521-2100 x 76374.
- For Pediatric Allergist/Immunologist Dr. Rae Brager, contact (905) 521-2100 x 76359.
