Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Care

This is one of the common complaints we hear.  In addition to the worry about the cause of the cough, patients experience frustration and anxiety, especially if a diagnosis can't be determined for weeks.  Smoking is a common reason for a chronic cough, but dozens of conditions can cause a recurrent, lingering cough, but the lion's share are caused by just five: postnasal drip, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic bronchitis, and treatment with ACE inhibitors, used for high blood pressure.

Almost everyone has some kind of reaction when bitten by an insect. Swelling, itching, and pain are somewhat common. But some people are at increased risk of anaphylaxis (a far more dangerous reaction). The top 5 stinging insects that may produce serious reactions are hornets, yellow jackets, wasps, honey bees and fire ants. Protect yourself and your family by becoming familiar with the types of reactions and what action to take in the event someone is stung. And ask us about our immunotherapy treatment for insect allergies.

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that comes on rapidly and may even cause death. It typically causes more than one of the following: an itchy rash, throat or tongue swelling, shortness of breath, vomiting, lightheadedness, or low blood pressure. It occurs most often in young people and females, but anyone could be at risk. Carrying an epinephrine autoinjector and identification regarding the condition is recommended in people with a history of anaphylaxis. 

Another common condition is eczema. If you skin is dry, itchy and red, you might have eczema (atopic dermatitis). It isn't contagious, but people with allergies and asthma are a higher risk. There are treatments that manage symptoms and as many as 15-20 percent of people experience eczema or another form of dermatitis at some point. 

It seems like almost everyone has Hay fever. It's is an allergic reaction to common triggers include pollen, ragweed, and cats. There are two types - seasonal and perennial. People with year-round (perennial) hay fever are usually allergic to one or more allergens found indoors. If symptoms are too much for you, we have remedies.

Non-allergic rhinitis is any form of rhinitis that doesn’t involve your body’s immune system. It’s often triggered by environmental issues, like air pollution, tobacco smoke, or strong odors. In some cases, a cause cannot be identified. Treatments involve a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.

Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. There are four different types - acute, chronic, subacute and recurrent. people with nasal allergies, nasal polyps, asthma and abnormal nose structures are all more likely to get sinusitis. Long-term sinusitis may be treated with antibiotics, intranasal steroid sprays, and Leukotriene antagonists.

A drug allergy is caused by an immune response to a particular medication.  Some drug allergies carry a risk of "allergic shock" or anaphylaxis if the medication is taken again.  There are other types of immune reactions that carry different risks.  Skin rashes are common in many types of drug allergies. It is extremely important to know which drugs cause these reactions and there are tests to determine your risk 

Exercise-induced asthma is a respiratory problem that is related to histamine release and is triggered by aerobic exercise. It can last several minutes. Causes include medical conditions, environmental factors, and medications. A medical examination and possibly lab tests are needed to determine the exact cause. 

Nasal polyps can grow anywhere in the lining of the nose or sinuses. They often grow where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity. Small polyps may not cause any problems. Large polyps can block your sinuses or nasal airway. Nasal polyps are not cancer. They seem to grow due to long-term swelling and irritation in the nose from allergies, asthma, or infection. Steroid nasal sprays are usually the first line of treatment, but if that's not effective, some need surgery.

Sinus headaches are caused by a blockage of normal sinus drainage. Healthy sinuses allow mucus to drain and air to circulate throughout the nasal passages. When sinuses become inflamed, these areas get blocked and mucus cannot drain. When sinuses are blocked, they provide a place for bacteria, viruses, and fungus to live and grow rapidly.