Conditions
Allergic Disorders of the Eye
Individuals with allergic conjunctivitis develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against allergens including pollen, animal proteins, dust mites, mold, and insect droppings. When these IgE antibodies bind allergens, conjunctival inflammation can occur resulting in recurrent eye symptoms of:
- Itching
- Redness
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.
Individuals who experience anaphylaxis usually develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against allergen.
Atopic & Contact Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that usually starts at age < 5 years. It is characterized by itchy skin that becomes inflamed with scratching. For this reason, atopic dermatitis is known as the “itch that rashes”.
Chronic Cough
Chronic cough refers to a cough that persists for greater than 2 months in duration.
Allergists are considered the experts in evaluating and managing chronic cough. Allergists can complete allergy skin tests and breathing tests as well as order and interpret other tests that may be relevant to your chronic cough.
Drug Allergy
Drug allergy is defined as a non-predictable adverse drug reaction that is immunologically mediated.
There are several different immunologic mechanisms responsible for the development of drug allergy.
Eosinophilia & Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGIDs)
Eosinophilia represents an abnormal elevation in eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in peripheral blood or tissue.
Allergists are experts in eosinophilia and diagnose this condition by history, exam, and tests.
Food Allergy
Food allergy affects 5% of children and 4% of adults in the United States and is defined as an adverse health event that is immune mediated and occurs reproducibly.
Individuals with IgE mediated food allergy develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against food allergens.
Insect Sting Hypersensitivity
Individuals with insect sting allergy develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against insect venom allergens. When these IgE antibodies bind venom after an insect sting, an allergic reaction develops ranging in mild (large local reaction) to life-threatening severity (systemic allergic reaction).
Latex Allergy
Latex is produced by rubber trees and is associated with several adverse reactions including:
- Allergy (allergy antibody dependent)
- Contact Allergic Dermatitis
- Irritant Dermatitis
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous inflammatory growths of the mucous membrane lining of the nose and sinus.
Nasal polyps are peeled grape-like in appearance and can hang down from the nose.
Urticaria & Angioedema
Urticaria, also known as “hives” or “welts,” is a fleeting, itchy, red, raised rash with a mosquito bite like appearance.
Causes of or associations to urticaria include:
- Allergy (food, medication, insect sting, latex, other)
Vaccine Allergy
Vaccination is an important tool in the prevention of disease.
Unfortunately, adverse reactions to vaccination occur and can include:
- Local Site
- Allergic
- Other
Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Vocal cord dysfunction is a condition in which the vocal cords abnormally close during inhalation, or exhalation.
Symptoms of vocal cord dysfunction include:
- Shortness of Breath
- Wheezing