Advanced Allergy and Asthma Specialist in Illinois addresses life-threatening allergies

Advanced Allergy and Asthma Specialist in Illinois addresses life-threatening allergies

Many people think of allergies as the seasonal condition referred to as hay fever, which causes runny noses, red-rimmed and itchy eyes, and sneezing. Some allergies, however, can cause much more severe reactions. Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden allergic reaction, which needs to be treated immediately. Luckily, most allergy sufferers will never experience anaphylaxis, but it is important to understand the symptoms and triggers.
Shortly after exposure to an allergy trigger, a series of reactions occur in the body, causing blood vessels to expand temporarily. This, in turn, lowers blood pressure and may cause fainting. Hives or swelling may appear, commonly on the throat and face, and the patient may have difficulty swallowing, talking, or breathing. Some causes of anaphylaxis are:

  • Peanuts are the most common cause of allergic reaction
  • Fish and shellfish account for about half of all anaphylactic reactions
  • Wheat, dairy, and eggs allergies often affect children
  • Sesame seeds, legumes and beans
  • Insect bites or stings from bees, hornets, ants, and ticks
  • Latex, including gloves, syringes, balloons, and elastic
  • Medications
    • Prescription medications, such as antibiotics, muscle relaxants, imaging dyes, and chemotherapy drugs
    • Over the counter medications, including ibuprofen, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory medication
  • Exercise has been known to cause anaphylaxis, particularly after exposure to an allergen

At Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates, our board-certified physicians, Dr. Noga Askenazi and the staff specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma for children and adults. Providing the latest technologies, our specialists offer a variety of diagnostics, including skin prick tests, blood tests, skin patch tests, oral challenges, and lung-function testing. Treatment is provided for:

  • Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis
  • Food allergies
  • Allergic conjunctivitis, or eye allergies
  • Insect venom allergies
  • Pet allergies
  • Allergic asthma
  • Pediatric and adult asthma

For patients experiencing symptoms of allergies, regardless of the severity, it is important to understand the cause of allergies and to control the symptoms for optimal health and quality of life. Flexible appointments may be scheduled online or by calling (847) 888-8802. Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates’ two offices are conveniently located at 730 East Terra Cotta Avenue in Crystal Lake, 2445 Westfield Drive in Elgin.

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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.