Eye Allergies Back To Top

Allergies can involve the eyes, frequently leading to itchy, watery, and red eyes.  This is referred to as allergic conjunctivitis and is often associated with nasal allergy symptoms.  Eye symptoms develop when the allergen (pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or molds) comes into contact with the lining of the eyes.  Individuals with eye allergies may experience year-round symptoms but seasonal allergic conjunctivitis from tree, grass, or ragweed pollen is the most common type of eye allergy.  People with eye allergies may also suffer from dry eyes and irritant reactions from environmental pollution, cigarette smoke, perfumes, and over-the-counter eye drops.  Determining the things in your environment that you are allergic to will help the allergist/immunologist create an appropriate treatment regimen that may include allergy avoidance strategies, prescription-strength eye drops, antihistamines, and immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Sinusitis Back To Top

Sinusitis is an inflammatory condition of one or more nasal sinuses- hollow cavities within the cheek-bones and behind the forehead.  Sinuses drain from a narrow opening that opens into the nasal passage.  Many factors can lead to narrowing of the drainage points that can result in a sinus infection.  Allergic inflammation is one of the most common causes and is typically triggered by pollen, pet allergies, dust mites, and molds.  Other common predisposing causes include viral respiratory infections and certain anatomic abnormalities of the nasal passage.   

Symptoms of a sinus infection include nasal congestion, discolored nasal drainage, bad-tasting post-nasal drip, coughing, and sinus pressure and headaches.  Infections may be acute or chronic, sometimes lasting for many years prior to diagnosis and treatment. 

Appropriate treatment consists of proper selection of an antibiotic and other medications used to decrease the inflammation of the nasal passage and sinuses.  An allergist/immunologist will take a complete history and determine which allergies may be contributing to your sinus infections and design a specific treatment that will help prevent future infections.  Allergy skin testing is a quick and easy way to find out what allergies are causing your sinus problems. 

Bronchitis Back To Top

Many patients experience recurrent episodes of coughing following an upper respiratory tract infection.  Although there are many causes of bronchitis, it is typically caused by a viral infection that leads to temporary inflammation of the airway leading into the lungs.  Less commonly, these episodes may be caused by a bacterial infection.  A patient does not typically develop a fever and most episodes resolve with anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) and nasal decongestants.  Bronchitis can also be seen in patients with asthma and other respiratory allergies.  So if you are experiencing episodes of bronchitis that are frequent and last longer than a typical cold, an allergist/immunologist can help determine the cause of the bronchitis and whether allergies are causing some of your symptoms. 

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Back To Top

Eczema is a common type of rash that affects the face, legs, and arms- most commonly seen in infants and younger children.  However, older children and adults may also experience this allergic rash as well.  Children with a personal or family history of allergies are more likely to have eczema.  Food allergies can sometimes make the more severe cases of eczema worse.  Other environmental allergies such as dust mites, pet allergies, or pollen allergies may also make the rash worse.  An allergist/immunologist can help determine what allergies may be making the eczema worse and provide treatment that may include over-the-counter moisturizers, anti-histamines, and prescription topical medications.

Hives (Urticaria) Back To Top

Hives are red, swollen, itchy areas of the skin.  They often look like mosquito bites but may be much larger and are typically round and raised off of the skin.  A person often develops many of the bumps at one time all over their body. The hives tend to move around and do not stay in one place very long.  

Up to 25% of people experience at least one episode of hives in their lifetime.  If hives occur for only a few days or weeks, they are considered acute.  Symptoms lasting longer than several weeks are considered chronic.  For cases of acute hives, possible causes include a viral infection, food allergy, medications (over-the-counter or prescription), insect allergy, or latex.  Acute episodes of hives typically go away on their own.   Chronic hives can last for several months or even years.  Many cases of chronic hives are caused by an internal immune reaction that leads to histamine release in their skin.  A number of people will have symptoms that are triggered by medications, foods, or physical triggers (such as scratching their skin, cold or hot environments, or exercise).   

An experienced allergist/immunologist will help identify any possible allergic triggers, order appropriate testing, and design an individual treatment plan that will effectively treat the hives.

Pet Allergies Back To Top

Cat and dog allergens (unlike other indoor allergens such as dust mites or cockroaches) consist of very small particles that remain airborne for long periods of time and are very sticky to clothing and other surfaces.  Because of these factors, cat and dog dander are found even in places without pets.  For instance, pet dander has been found in school buildings brought in by children with pets at home.  It is for this reason, most likely, that people can become allergic to dogs or cats without even having one in their home.   

It is not currently known whether having pets in the home is more likely to make a person allergic to the pet. But we do know that if a person is allergic to a pet and has one in the home, their respiratory allergies will most likely be worse.  Pet allergies can cause nasal allergy symptoms as well as asthma symptoms.  An allergist/immunologist can help determine if you are allergic to your pet and to discuss the many different treatment options for your pet allergies.

Stinging Insect Allergy Back To Top

Many people are stung reach year by insects such as bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets.  Most people only experience swelling, redness, and pain near the place they were stung.  These symptoms may last several hours or more and are not considered an allergic reaction.   

However, some people will develop an actual allergy to the stinging insect.  Like many other types of allergic reactions, these individual’s will develop an allergy antibody (IgE) to a protein found in the insect venom.   

Symptoms of an insect allergy are similar to those found with food allergies and include one or more of the following- hives (red, itchy, and swollen areas of the skin); swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue or throat; abdominal pain or diarrhea; and wheezing or shortness-of-breath.  Life-threatening reactions may also develop and include severe wheezing, swelling of the throat and tongue, a large drop in blood pressure, and feelings of warmth or flushing.  Most insect allergies occur immediately after the insect sting occurs.  However, symptoms may be delayed for up to 1-2 days after the insect bite occurs in some people.   

Anyone who has experienced a possible insect allergy should be evaluated by an allergist/immunologist, who will take a complete history, perform appropriate testing, and recommend a treatment plan designed specifically for you or your family member.  Skin testing is the most accurate way to diagnose insect allergies.  Unlike with food allergies, allergy shots (immunotherapy) are a highly effective and potentially life-saving treatment option for those who have more severe insect allergies.  It is also important to carry injectable epinephrine and to call 911 immediately if you experience symptoms that are suggestive of an anaphylactic reaction to an insect.