Allergy Diseases
Hay Fever (allergic rhinitis)
commonly caused by exposure to ragweed and some tree pollens. It affects the eyes and nose. Causes sneezing; runny nose; watery, itchy eyes; irritated, itchy throat; and sometimes a stuffy, blocked nose
Sinusitis
An inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Symptoms may include facial pain/pressure, a “stuffy head” (congestion), nasal stuffiness, nasal discharge, and loss of sense of smell.
Hives (urticaria)
An outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or patches, (wheals) on the skin, as a result of the body’s adverse reaction to certain allergies, or for unknown reasons
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
A group of medical conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated. It causes itchy, red rashes of the skin characterized by lesions, scaling, and flaking
Asthma
Affects the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness after exposure to an allergen. Common allergens that worsen asthma include plant pollens and dust mites.
Contact Dermatitis
An inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating or allergy-causing substance (such as poison ivy or latex gloves) it causes redness, itching, swelling, or rashes on the skin
Allergic Conjunctivitis
An inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid, associated with allergies. The eye becomes red, itchy, and watery
Food Allergies
Symptoms include swelling of the lips, throat, face, tongue as well as an upset stomach; vomiting; abdominal cramps; hives; and skin rashes. Food allergies may be life-threatening
Drug Allergies
Certain medicines can trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild rashes to life-threatening symptoms, which can affect any tissue or organ in the body
Household Allergies
Dust mites are microscopic organisms that feed on live and shed skin tissue. Mites are commonly found on pillows, mattresses, and upholstered furniture. Mites feces are responsible for a majority of the year-round allergies and are a major cause of asthma
Allergy Tests in Order to Identify for Evaluation
The most accurate and specific allergy tests are called “skin tests.” A small amount of the substances to which we suspect you are allergic is injected within the layers of the skin. If you are allergic to a given substance, a hive-like reaction will occur at the site of the test within approximately 20 minutes. The skin test is utilized to evaluate environmental allergies, food, and insect and drug allergies. For Contact Dermatitis, we utilize an extensive patch test which is being read with 4872 and reveals sensitivity to allergens that people come in contact with.
Treatments
The best method of allergy management is to avoid the substances to which you are allergic. When this is not possible, as in the case of allergies to dust, molds, and weeds, injections of such substances can help. These injections “desensitize” you, making you less allergic and more comfortable. Also, for severe asthmatic patients, we offer treatment with Xolair, a new medication that blocks the allergic asthmatic response.
