Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is caused by substances that we breathe called allergens. Allergens are usually harmless substances that can cause problems only in some people. These problems are caused because the immune system of people with allergic rhinitis mistakenly identifies these substances as intruders and generates a reaction against them. During this reaction, the immune system cells release substances such as histamine and leukotrienes that cause the symptoms of allergic rhinitis; these and other substances also cause inflammation in the nasal lining that makes the nose very sensitive to irritants ...more

Asthma

Patients should see an allergist/immuno gist if they:

  • A child with allergic rhinitis. Immunotherapy may
    potentially prevent the development of asthma.
  • Have potentially fatal asthma, meaning a prior
    severe, life threatening episode that included intubation.
  • Have persistent asthma, particularly moderatesevere
    or uncontrolled persistent asthma.
  • Need for daily asthma reliever medications.
  • Would like to try to minimize their need for medications.
  • Need education on asthma and guidance in techniques
    for self-management.
  • Are not using medications as prescribed, and this is
    limiting their ability to control their asthma.

 What Is Eczema?

Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as allergic eczema, is an allergic inflammation of the skin characterized by intense itching. Distinction by appearance from other inflammatory skin rashes is difficult.

It can occur in all age groups, alone or associated with other allergic conditions. A family history of allergies is cornmon. The incidence is highest in infants and children, occurring in 1% - 3% of infants in the first two years of their lives. In older children and adults, the eczema may become more chronic and persistent.

The rash may be red, swollen, and rough. Dry skin is also common with atopic dermatitis. Allergic skin is more sensitive, and therefore any stimulation can cause the skin to itch. Further scratching will lead to worsening of the rash.

Food Allergies

Up to 2 million, or 8%, of children, and 2% of adults in the United States are estimated to have food allergies.

With a true food allergy, an individual's immune system will overreact to an ordinarily harmless food. This is caused by an allergic...more

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a "systematic reaction",which means that various parts of the body are affected that are a distance from the allergen's initial entry site (e.g., a sting site for insects or the stomach for foods). Symptoms of anaphylaxis...more

Allergy Shots

If the thought of needles gives you nightmares, relax. Fear of needles is a common and normal feeling. However, you can be comforted by the fact that the injections that you receive as part of immunotherapy are smaller and less painful...more

Stinging Insect Allergy

Each year, many Americans are stung by insects. For most, these stings mean pain and discomfort generally lasting only a few hours. Symptoms may include redness, swelling and itching at the site of the sting. However, some people are allergic to insect stings. This means that their immune systems overreact...more