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Skin conditions such as eczema can affect children and adults alike. It is believed that anywhere from 10-20% of babies have eczema, and approximately 3% of adults and children do as well. Some babies grow out of the condition while others struggle with it off and on for the remainder of their life as a chronic problem. Knowing more about the condition and how it works can help patients in the Illinois area in better understanding it and treating it in a way that is both effective and efficient. The allergists at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates S.C. and Food … Continue Reading

Eczema is a condition that affects children and adults in the United States and is a medical condition that results in the skin becoming irritated and inflamed. There are different types of eczema which means that allergists such as Dr. Noga Askenazi and the staff need to provide individuals with an appropriate diagnosis before being able to address the issue. At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates S.C. and Food Allergy Center of Illinois in Elgin, we understand that this condition is present in up to 20% of infants and 3% of adults and children. Some patients have mild issues with … Continue Reading

About half of all new allergies occur in adults, frequently in those in their forties. The most common causes of allergies that start in adulthood are pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander. Certain food allergies can emerge after years of eating the food with no reaction. Some allergies may seem to strike unexpectedly, but may actually be childhood allergies that have faded then reappeared. The allergy may also have been present but not diagnosed until the symptoms worsened. Symptoms may seem more severe in adulthood because of several factors: The immune system has become sensitized to the trigger, creating … Continue Reading

An allergic reaction to an insect bite can develop at any age, even if prior stings had no adverse reaction. Hymenoptera is the name for a severe reaction to insect venom, affecting about three percent of adults and one percent of children. The insects most commonly causing this condition are honey bees, hornets, yellow jackets, fire ants, and wasps. While an unpleasant sensation, venom stings most often create a mild reaction such as redness, pain, or swelling that may last up to a few days. Some patients, however, experience a systemic allergy to insect venom, which can be a life-threatening … Continue Reading

Allergic reactions to foods may present in various ways, including hives, rashes, intestinal discomfort, shortness of breath, anaphylaxis, or allergic rhinitis. The allergy occurs through two interactions of the immune system. First, immunoglobulin E, (IgE) a form of protein that is referred to as an antibody circulates in the blood. For some individuals, this antibody will form in reaction to certain foods. This condition is generally inherited from parents, who may have experienced any form of allergy, including hay fever, asthma, or hives. When an individual eats an allergen food, the body forms excess amounts of the antibody, IgE, which … Continue Reading

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, … Continue Reading