Specialists near Hoffman Estates employ accurate allergy skin test

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Specialists near Hoffman Estates employ accurate allergy skin test

Specialists near Hoffman Estates employ accurate allergy skin test Does the itching on the roof of your mouth drive you crazy? When the days get warmer, and others are enjoying outdoor activities, do you find yourself battling watery eyes and constant sneezing and congestion?

You may suspect allergies are to blame for your troublesome symptoms. The only way to know for sure if allergies are to blame is by visiting Dr. Noga Askenazi. For instance, you may think you have a food allergy when food sensitivity or intolerance may be to blame.

If allergies are to blame, Dr. Askenazi and the staff are trained to find the source of your symptoms. This source or allergen may indeed be food or it may be airborne pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or mold. Without knowing the specific cause of your symptoms, there is no way to develop an effective treatment plan.

These treatments can relieve or reduce your symptoms. You’ll be able to enjoy life more. Furthermore, these medications and therapies can be lifesavers. They can help you avoid potentially serious complications such as anaphylaxis or bring quick relief in emergencies. If you don’t have a proper diagnosis, you won’t have proper treatment and an emergency epinephrine delivery device will not be available to help you or a member of your family.

An evaluation generally includes a detailed conversation with you about your signs and symptoms, as well as a physical exam. You may be asked to keep a diary of symptoms and possible triggers, which could detail things like the foods you eat if a food allergy is suspected.

Another versatile and proven way to identify the source of your symptoms accurately is with a skin test.

Generally, skin tests use the same concept as allergy shots or immunotherapy designed to treat allergic symptoms. The idea is to expose your skin to very small amounts of the proteins found in potential allergens. If you are indeed allergic to any of the substances we expose you to, then the reaction will show up on your skin as a red, itchy bump (hive or wheal). The bigger the bump, the greater the sensitivity you may to a specific substance.

How do we expose the skin?

Dr. Askenazi and staff will work with you to narrow down some suspected allergens. The extract contacts your skin via very small punctures made with a tiny surgical instrument or lancet. This type of testing doesn’t hurt, so you won’t even feel the quick prick sensation experienced with shots.

Each time another allergen extract is dropped onto the skin’s surface, a new needle will be used to puncture the skin.

There is some preparation that goes with this diagnostic tool. Our specialists can walk you through any medications that may affect the results. Other types of tests may be used to detect certain allergens such as household chemicals and metals. Food or oral ingestion challenges may be used to detect unknown food allergies or determine if you are no longer allergic to some foods after prolonged avoidance.

Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates/Food Allergy Center of Illinois takes a multi-faceted approach to diagnosing your potential allergens, which may include an allergy skin test. Discover for yourself how our specialists can relieve your symptoms near Hoffman Estates by calling (847) 888-8802.

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Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates

Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

Amy Schack, a distinguished board-certified Physician Associate, brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. Specializing in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and rashes, Amy is renowned for her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach. With a background in immediate care and orthopedics, she holds a Master's in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. A member of esteemed professional associations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Amy Schack instills confidence, ensuring you can trust her unwavering dedication to your health and well-being.


Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.


Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.


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