Allergy Treatment

At Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates, we provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for all our patients from Elgin and beyond. Our team of physicians and nurses has expertise and experience in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of various allergies. What is an allergy? An allergy is a reaction to a substance that is typically harmless to non-allergic individuals. These allergens can vary and include anything from foods to dust to insects. Research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that at least one in five Americans suffer from allergies. Symptoms of Allergies: Watery, itchy eyesRunny noseSneezingHivesRashesFatigue … Continue Reading

Of the estimated 50 million Americans suffering from all types of allergies, around 40 million live with hay fever and other seasonal and indoor/outdoor allergies. Allergies and allergic asthma are more common than diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancer. Hay fever is also known as “allergic rhinitis.” The term “rhinitis” refers to the inflammation of the nose caused by allergens. Pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds trigger the runny, stuffed-up nose, sneezing, sinus pressure, and itchy eyes and face so characteristic of hay fever. If you’ve called Chicagoland home forever or for a long time, you know the nickname “Windy … Continue Reading

Just as an adult-sized product doesn’t work for a pint-sized child, allergies in children are not exactly the same as allergies in adults. While allergies and related conditions such as allergic asthma are particularly common in childhood, the good news is that it is common for allergies to subside as a child gets older, and fewer medications may be needed to control conditions in children. Pediatric proclivities Hay fever (or allergic rhinitis) isn’t triggered by hay and it doesn’t cause fever, but it does set off nasal congestion, watery and red eyes, and a runny and itchy nose. Allergies are … Continue Reading

You may associate hives with unsightly red blotches or flesh-colored lumps that itch. While the condition is common and can affect up to a quarter of us at some point in our lives, it is rare for hives to be life threatening. The related condition of angioedema can produce swelling around the mouth and eyes that is so deep and intense it may cause the tongue and throat to expand so much that the airway is blocked. Regardless of if your hives are infrequent and minor, or chronic and intense, we can connect you with a treatment near Crystal Lake … Continue Reading

While it’s possible for people to develop allergies later in life, it appears children are more susceptible to allergies. Consider that one in every five Americans (including children) has allergies. When you take into account sensitivities to one or more common allergens among schoolchildren, the World Health Organization reports the prevalence increases to 40 percent – and up to as many as one out of every two children. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes common triggers include dust mites found in bedding, upholstery, carpet, and other fabrics. Animals with fur, such as dogs, cats and rabbits, may also trigger reactions. … Continue Reading

It’s estimated over two million Americans are allergic to insects. Symptoms vary widely. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports three percent of adults and less than one percent of children have severe, deadly reactions to insect venom. There are generally two types of reactions brought on by insects: Localized – When an insect bites you, its saliva can react with your skin, causing small, itchy lumps or fluid-filled, intensely itchy wheals that can persist for weeks or months, especially after a tick bite. When an insect stings, its venom can cause swelling and blistering that may extend up … Continue Reading

Allergic reactions can show up in many ways, one of them being hives. Hives are swollen red bumps or patches of skin that often itch or burn. Hives can show up anywhere on the body and vary greatly in size and shape. What causes hives? Hives are often the body’s reaction to a specific allergen. When your body has an allergic reaction, the cells have an immune response and release a chemical called histamine. When this happens, plasma leaks out of the blood vessels located in the skin causing hives. Acute urticaria is hives that are caused by an allergic … Continue Reading

Allergic rhinitis is also commonly known as hay fever, seasonal allergies, or nasal allergies. Allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, or even mold trigger the body to release a chemical that causes the symptoms. When people suffering from allergic rhinitis breathe in these substances, they experience the allergy symptoms. People with hay fever suffer from an allergic reaction to pollen that can be found in plants, trees, grasses, and weeds. Symptoms are largely dependent on the amount of pollen in the air. On windy, hot, dry days, there tends to be more pollen in the air than cool, damp days. … Continue Reading

Most people have experienced an insect bite or sting that has resulted in redness and swelling of the skin. For people who have an actual insect venom allergy, the reaction to a bite can be much more serious and even life threatening. One of the best ways to protect yourself from a dangerous reaction is to be aware of the differences between a normal reaction and an allergic reaction. To do so, we must first understand when and why allergic reactions occur. Allergic reactions are the immune system’s response to substances that are normally considered harmless. This reaction can cause … Continue Reading

You may have heard that allergy and asthma are not treatable conditions; however, this is misleading. You can stop, decrease, control, and even prevent the symptoms that have brought you to this website and to the specialists at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois. You can get relief and improve the quality of your life with a number of different symptom treatment options. That said, there are a number of considerations associated with the proper treatment for you. In some cases, no one treatment may be sufficient for your case. For instance, you may require … Continue Reading