Allergy conditions we treat:
*NASAL ALLERGIES, VASOMOTOR(NON ALLERGIC RHINITIS), NASAL POLYPS.
–Nasal allergies or hay fever result from exposure to environmental allergens such as dust, pet dander, pollen and mold spores. Common symptoms include congestion, itching, sneezing, runny nose, post-nasal drip and throat clearing. Skin tests(prick tests) can be done to establish a specific allergy trigger. Treatment options include avoidance measures, nasal saline spray or irrigation, various types of oral and nasal medications and allergy shots.
–Vasomotor or Non-Allergic Rhinitis can present with runny nose, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip but are not triggered by environmental allergens. Common triggers include strong odors, cold air, change in temperature, some foods and medications.
–Nasal Polyps are painless, non-cancerous, sac-like fleshing growths on the lining of your nasal passages and sinuses. Symptoms include nasal congestion, lack of smell, runny nose, post-nasal drip, pressure/pain or fullness over the sinuses.
*EYE CONDITIONS: Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the eyes when exposed to environmental allergens such as dust, pet dander, pollen and mold spores. Typical symptoms include itchy, irritated, watery and red eyes.
*HIVES(Urticaria, Welts): Hives are itchy, swollen bumps or welts that can appear suddenly and last for hours to days. Triggers may include infections, cold, heat, exercise, pressure or exposure to food, medication and environmental allergens. Hives may be self-limiting but often will require antihistamines or other allergy medications. Chronic urticaria(hives lasting for more than 6 weeks) often do not have an underlying allergy trigger and different treatment options may be needed.
*SKIN ALLERGIES (ECZEMA, CONTACT DERMATITIS, COSMETIC ALLERGY):
–Eczema, or atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that causes red itchy skin. Eczema is a common childhood skin condition but can affect any age group. In some cases, food or environmental allergens can exacerbate eczema. Skin or patch testing to potential allergens triggers is an important step in managing atopic dermatitis. Patients with atopic dermatitis are more likely to develop other allergy conditions such as food allergy, asthma and nasal allergies.
–Contact dermatitis is a condition that causes red and itchy rash when the skin is in contact with an allergen such as cosmetics, skin care products, soaps, metal, rubber products and hair dye. The onset of symptoms is typically delayed one to five days after exposure. A patch test to a variety of potential contact allergens can be helpful in identifying a specific trigger.
*FOOD ALLERGY: Food allergies are an inappropriate reaction the body has when it perceives a food as foreign. Common food allergens include milk, egg, wheat, fish, shellfish, soy, peanuts and tree nuts. Symptoms can be mild to life threatening and usually occur within 5 to 30 minutes but can take hours to develop. Some adverse reactions to foods are not due to an allergy and may be due to other conditions such as food intolerance (e.g., gluten or lactose intolerance). Skin or blood tests are commonly recommended for the initial work up for food allergy.
*SINUSITIS: Sinusitis results from inflammation or swelling of the tissues lining the sinuses. Symptoms can include congestion, headaches, post-nasal drip (mucous in the back of throat), decreased smell, cough and pressure or pain around the eyes, cheeks, forehead.
*ASTHMA: Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways in your lungs. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing and chest tightness. Asthma can develop at any age. Approximately 6 million children and 19 million adults currently have asthma. Work up for asthma may include breathing tests with peak flow meters or spirometry and skin testing to environmental allergens.