Allergy and Immunology care focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the immune system, including allergies, asthma, immune deficiencies, and recurrent infections. Our specialists help patients manage hypersensitive immune responses to specific substances and improve overall quality of life.
We offer comprehensive allergy screening, testing, and vaccinations, with personalized treatment plans that address all aspects of immune system health.
Conditions We Treat
Our Allergy & Immunology providers diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Asthma
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Sinusitis
- Food allergies
- Allergic skin conditions, including eczema
What Are Allergies?
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to substances that are normally harmless. These substances are known as allergens.
The immune system is your body’s natural defense against infection and foreign materials. Before an allergic reaction can occur, the immune system must first be exposed to an allergen—a process known as sensitization. Once sensitized, the body may react every time it comes into contact with that allergen.
Common Allergens Include:
- Pollen
- Mold
- Animal dander
- Dust and dust mites
- Latex
- Certain medications
- Insect stings
- Foods
Common Types of Allergic Conditions
Respiratory Allergies
Airborne allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites can cause hay fever and may trigger asthma symptoms. Asthma attacks can also be brought on by allergens like animal dander and certain medications.
Skin Allergies
Allergic skin reactions may occur when the skin comes into contact with irritants such as:
- Hair or skin care products
- Nickel in jewelry or belt buckles
- Dyes in leather or fabric
- Plants like poison ivy or poison oak
Eczema
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that often affects people with a history of allergies or asthma. Symptoms may include itching, dryness, scaling, flaking, and mild redness. While allergens may play a role, the exact cause of eczema is often unknown.
Food Allergies
Common food allergens include shellfish, eggs, milk, tree nuts, and peanuts. Food allergies are more common in children, and some may be outgrown over time.
Other Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may also experience allergic reactions to sunlight or extreme temperatures.
When to Seek Allergy Treatment
If you experience allergy symptoms, recurrent infections, or immune-related conditions, your primary care provider is often a good place to start. They can determine whether allergy testing or referral to an Allergy & Immunology specialist is appropriate.
For children with breathing or lung-related concerns, our Pediatric Pulmonology team specializes in diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions in infants, children, and adolescents up to age 21.
Live Well, Stay Well Tip
Food and environmental allergies affect at least 2 in 10 Americans, including children and adults. Allergies often run in families. If one parent has allergies, a child has about a 35% chance of developing allergies. If both parents have allergies, that risk increases to 70%.
FAQ
Symptoms can include sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, skin rashes, itching, swelling, or digestive issues after eating certain foods.
Allergy testing may include skin tests, blood tests, or other evaluations depending on your symptoms and medical history. Your provider will recommend the most appropriate testing for you.
Yes. Allergies can develop at any age, even if you did not have them as a child.
No. Food allergies involve the immune system and can be serious, while food intolerances typically cause digestive discomfort and do not involve an immune response.
Some allergies, particularly food allergies like milk or eggs, may be outgrown over time. Others, such as environmental allergies, may persist into adulthood.
Referral requirements vary by insurance plan. Your primary care provider can help determine whether a referral or allergy screening is needed.
Treatment may include avoidance strategies, medications, immunotherapy (allergy shots), or other personalized treatment plans based on your specific condition.
