Hoffman Estates allergy sufferers benefit from multi-faceted approach, including safe medicine to manage and ease symptoms

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Hoffman Estates allergy sufferers benefit from multi-faceted approach, including safe medicine to manage and ease symptoms

You may have heard of allergy shots. Otherwise known as immunotherapy, they are not technically allergy drugs but rather the measured, gradually increasing injection of the offending substance or substances. By exposing the body to the allergen or allergens, the immune system builds up a tolerance. Over time, you may find you are no longer as sensitive to the substance.

As you go through treatment, you’ll want to continue to use allergy medicine as prescribed by Dr. Noga Askenazi. However, with time, you may not be as reliant on your long-term asthma medication. Furthermore, immunotherapy may be a good answer to those whose allergy meds interact with drugs taken for other conditions, or those who have experienced side effects or problems controlling symptoms with prescribed medications for their allergies.

Generally, medications may be divided into two broad categories:

  • Long-term control to reduce immune system reaction and ease symptoms; may include nasal sprays, eye drops, and oral drugs
  • Quick-relief for those with severe allergies; an epinephrine delivery device may be prescribed to be carried with the patient at all times in the event of an emergency

Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois takes a very holistic view of treatment. Medications may not be sufficient to adequately control your symptoms and live as fulfilling and productive of a life as you want.

Our specialists can suggest other lifestyle modifications that may ease symptoms. Pollen counts can be a big problem for those with allergies in Chicagoland. While Dr. Askenazi and the staff may suggest nasal steroid sprays to relieve congestion and runny nose, or antihistamines and decongestants, monitoring those counts and staying inside with the windows and doors closed is an alternative to prescriptions to prevent the itching, irritation, and miserable symptoms.

If we haven’t confirmed that your suspect allergens are indeed the cause of your concern, we’ll want to conduct skin and blood tests. After determining the exact cause and nature of your allergies, and reviewing your current medication use and health, we will provide an effective course of treatment that also minimizes any potential side effects. Call (847) 888-8802 to schedule a consultation with one of the doctors and learn more about potential options, including allergy medicine, near Hoffman Estates.

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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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