Elgin area allergy doctor describes hives

Posted By: | Published On: | Allergy Treatment
Elgin area allergy doctor describes hives

At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois, we understand how allergies can greatly affect one’s lifestyle. Some patients have severe allergies that may cause them to watch everything they eat or are exposed to while other patients may benefit from medication when they know they may be exposed to their allergen. Visiting an allergy doctor in the Elgin area is the best way to determine the severity of one’s allergies, the trigger for their allergic symptoms, and the best ways to treat the condition when the problem arises. Dr. Noga Askenazi and the staff help men, women, and children get a proper diagnosis and effective treatment solutions for their concerns.

Allergies can present themselves in a myriad of ways, and some patients may experience hives. Hives are blotchy, red, itchy lumps on the skin that can result in a related condition known as angioedema. This can result in the swelling of the eyes and mouth, which can cause the tongue to swell and block the airway. It is rare for hives to be life threatening, though they can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, and troublesome.

There are two types of hives – acute and chronic. Acute hives tend to occur in children or younger adults, and may last just a few days or several weeks. Chronic hives, on the other hand, may be persistent. This type of hives can last months or even years depending on the severity and the cause. In most cases, hives are a result of an allergic reaction and may be more common in patients dealing with genetic or immune system disorders.

Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois has several treatment options in place to help make patients more comfortable and provide effective relief for the swelling and itching. This is done by administering antihistamines that are either prescribed or available over-the-counter to block the chemicals that are responsible for the allergic reaction. Some patients who have severe situations or reoccurring attacks may be better protected by keeping an epinephrine device on hand for emergencies.

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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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