Elgin specialists’ approaches surpass common store-bought allergy treatments

Elgin specialists’ approaches surpass common store-bought allergy treatments

You don’t have to be among the 30 percent of Americans with allergies to know some of the most common treatments. You’ve probably seen the ads or heard the commercials for antihistamines like Allegra or Claritin. Maybe you’ve used decongestants like Sudafed or combination medications like Zyrtec-D.

Over-the-counter and prescription drugs may be recommended by the allergy treatment specialists in Elgin to manage disruptive and even life-threatening symptoms.

Your treatment, your allergies

Symptom management will be based on needs identified via an accurate diagnosis by allergist Dr. Noga Askenazi. In turn, the most common allergy treatments offered in Elgin are determined by the types of allergies to be treated at the Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois.

All allergies are caused by your immune system overreacting to typically harmless substances. The chemicals released by your body as it attempts to fight off this perceived invader cause watery eyes, sneezing, airway constriction, and other symptoms.

The most common allergies are characterized as Type 1. They produce reactions within seconds or minutes of exposure. Usually, the skin or the mucous lining of the mouth, nose, and windpipe are affected. Proteins associated with the following triggers are often to blame:

  • Pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds
  • Venom from stinging insects, such as honeybees, hornets
  • Animal dander
  • Dust mites
  • Penicillin and other medications
  • Latex

Shellfish, eggs, peanuts, and other foods

Rarer allergies arise when damaged cells are treated as allergens by the immune system. For example, Type IV allergies are characterized by delayed-onset reactions that occur 12 to 72 hours after contact is made with allergens such as nickel.

Type 1 allergies can produce a potentially deadly reaction. Anaphylaxis causes the airways to constrict, the tongue and throat to swell, a weak and rapid pulse, vomiting, dizziness, and fainting.

Severe reactions require proactive measures. The doctors may suggest an epinephrine delivery device for quick relief during an emergency.

Anti-inflammatory drugs called corticosteroids come in many forms, including:

  • Nasal sprays for runny and itchy nose and throat triggered by allergens like dust mites, pollen, and dander
  • Creams and ointments for itchy rashes produced by latex, reactions to medications and food
  • Oral corticosteroids to reduce swelling associated with severe allergic symptoms

You may find relief from common seasonal and indoor allergies with antihistamines. Formulated as pills, liquids, sprays, or drops, these drugs block the histamine released when your immune system overreacts to ragweed and other allergens.

A stuffy nose is a common symptom of many allergens, and can be relieved with decongestants. Some combination drugs are formulated to reduce many different allergy symptoms.

Other approaches

Don’t respond well to medications? Do you wish to reduce your reliance on long-term control drugs? Dr. Askenazi and the staff have the advanced training and controlled environment to offer immunotherapy. 

  • Pollen and other seasonal allergens
  • Mold, dust mites, and other indoor allergens
  • Wasps, yellow jackets, and other insect stings

Immunotherapy is not an option for the many children and adults with food allergies. Eight foods account for 90 percent of all allergies. They include peanuts, almonds, milk, soy, wheat, and fish. Avoidance of the offending substance and emergency medication is crucial.

For lifestyle and other recommendations, call (847) 888-8802 to schedule an appointment with your Elgin specialists.

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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.