Allergy and Immunology 

Evaluation for Common Allergy Conditions

The most common allergies include pollen, dust, mold, animal dander, insect stings, latex, and certain foods and medications. Allergic reactions can be mild, such as coughing or a runny nose. In rare situations, the reaction can by life-threatening, called anaphylaxis, and deadly if not treated urgently and properly. We offer evaluations for:

Anaphylaxis – allergic emergencies

Asthma

Bee venom allergy

Chronic cough

Contact dermatitis

Chronic nasal congestion (non-allergic rhinitis)

Eczema, atopic dermatitis

Food allergy
Eosinophilia and other gastrointestinal disorders
Drug allergy, reactions

Hay fever, allergic rhinitis (allergy to pollen, dust, mold, pet dander)

Hives, angioedema

Immunodeficiency

Latex allergy

Recurrent infections

Rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps

Our team provides the following allergy testing and treatment options:

Allergy blood testing

Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots)

Allergy patch testing – chemicals/metals/contactants

Allergy skin testing – inhalants, bee venom, penicillin

Immune function testing

Immunobiologic treatments

Methachlorine (a breathing test for asthma)

Nucala (injection treatment for allergy maintenance for patients ages 12 and older)

Pulmonary function testing

Xolair (to treat asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria)

Addressing Immune Deficiencies

A child with a primary immune deficiency has an immune system that does not work well. Primary immune deficiency usually is caused by a hereditary or genetic defect. The child will have a reduced ability to resist or fight an infectious disease.

We work closely with your child’s pediatrician, and otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, dermatologists and rheumatologists, to ensure the best outcome and care for your child.

Our team provides the following immune disorder treatment options:

• Antibiotics
• Bone marrow transplants (or cord blood transplants)
• Gene therapy
• Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (to boost your child’s antibody levels to strengthen the immune system)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs or symptoms of an immune system disorder?

Disorders of the immune system may result from a genetic abnormality (primary immune deficiency disorders or PIDD) or from infections such as HIV or treatments with medications that suppress the immune system (secondary immune deficiencies). Children or adolescents with immune deficiencies may have:

• Autoimmune disease
• Family history of PIDD
• Multiple courses of antibiotics or IV antibiotics necessary to clear infections
• Poor growth or weight loss
• Recurrent deep abscesses of the organs or skin
• Recurrent pneumonia, ear infections or sinusitis
• Recurrent, unusual or difficult-to treat infections
• Swollen lymph glands or an enlarged spleen

Children with any of these symptoms should be evaluated for an immune deficiency disorder.

When should my child see an allergist or immunologist?

Signs that your child may be suffering allergy symptoms include:

• Chronic sinus infection
• Difficulty breathing
• Hay fever or other allergy symptoms for several months out of the year
• Heavy congestion
• Rash or skin irritation

Children with any of these symptoms should be evaluated for an immune deficiency disorder.