Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Pediatric and Adults
An allergist/immunologist is a physician specially trained to manage and treat allergies and asthma. Allergist/immunologists are the best-qualified medical professional to effectively manage the comprehensive needs of patients with allergic disease. The help of trained allergist/immunologist can reduce how often patients need to stay home from work or school due to symptoms. Studies show that those under care of an allergist/immunologist also make fewer visits to emergency rooms, and are better able to daily manage their allergies and asthma.
You may benefit from seeing an allergist if you experience
any of the following symptoms:
- Runny/Itchy Nose, Nasal Congestion, Stuffiness, Sneezing
- Frequent Ear Infections
- Hives or Eczema
- Swelling of Your Lips and Tongue
- Shortness of Breath, tightness of Chest, Coughing or Wheezing
Allergic Rhinitis: Allergic Rhinitis is a reaction of the immune system to normally harmless substances called allergens. Symptoms are runny nose, nasal congestions, stuffiness, sneezing, itchy nose and frequent ear infections. Allergic rhinitis could be seasonal or all year round. Dust mite, mold, pollens and pet dander are the most common causes of allergic rhinitis. In 1 out of 3 patients exposure to fragrance, smoke, air pollution, temperature change and some medications cause Vasomotor Rhinitis in order to make a correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
Food Allergy: Allergic reactions to food usually begin within minutes to a few hours after eating the offending food and symptoms range from intestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, cramping and diarrhea. Skin symptoms include hives, eczema and angioedema (swelling of lips and tongue). Breathing symptoms include asthma, cough, wheezing itchy nose and throat. Systemic reactions include flushing of the face, low blood pressure and increase in heart rate. Light headed felling is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening.
Sinusitis: Sinusitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the nasal sinuses, the hollow cavities found within the check bone, forehead and near the eyes. Symptom of sinusitis are sometimes mistaken or confused with the common cold. Symptoms of sinusitis may include profuse thick colored nasal drainage, bad tasting postnasal drip, cough, head congestion, headache, nasal congestion, toothache, constant tiredness and occasional fever. Left undiagnosed or untreated could cause further serious complications.
Eczema: Eczema looks like a red rash, scaly and itchy usually on the face, ears, knees, behind the knee and behind the elbow areas. It could be the result of an allergic response of the skin to environmental allergens and foods.
Hives: Hives are red very itchy swollen areas of the skin and arise suddenly and may leave quickly or can last up to 24 hours. They often appear in clusters with new clusters appearing as the other area clear. Hives can be caused by allergies or could be a symptom of another illness.
Asthma: Asthma is a reversible bronchospasm and inflammation of the airway. About 5000 deaths happen every year due to asthma in the USA. Symptoms vary from congestion, tightness in chest shortness of breath; rapid breathing causes a wheezing sound or a persistent cough. Symptoms are usually more at night. Asthma triggers are colds, viral infections, exercise, inhaled irritants, weather change, smoke, fragrance, emotional stress, some medications and gastric reflux. There are fast acting and long acting treatments available. If anyone uses the fast acting inhaler more than twice a week must be evaluated by a physician and be treated appropriately.