Hoffman Estates area specialists get to heart of signs and symptoms of asthma by identifying triggers

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Hoffman Estates area specialists get to heart of signs and symptoms of asthma by identifying triggers

The word “allergy” may immediately bring to mind sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, and a runny nose when a person is exposed to certain plants or animals. Allergic diseases are, however, many different things.

Some of the most common allergy-related diseases include allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and atopic dermatitis (eczema). The allergies may be triggered by a broad range of allergens — from certain foods to medications to the venom of stinging insects.

Allergies also play a significant role in asthma. In some people, the same over-reaction to a substance that produces itchy eyes and rashes also affects the lungs and airways, producing asthma symptoms. These individuals have allergic-asthma.

The World Health Organization estimates around 70 percent of asthmatics have allergies. Common causes of this type of asthma include pollen that is blown from trees, grasses, and weeds; mold spores; small scales from animal hair, skin, and feathers; dust mite and cockroach feces; and mold spores and fragments. While allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma, non-allergic or intrinsic asthma may be triggered by:

  • Anxiety or stress
  • Exercise
  • Cold temperatures
  • Dry air
  • Irritants
  • Viruses
  • Hyperventilation
  • Irritants

The immune system is not involved with non-allergic asthma. While the triggers also differ, the symptoms of allergic and non-allergic asthma are generally the same and include:

  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest tightness
  • Rapid breathing
  • Sleeplessness due to chronic coughing

Both allergic and non-allergic asthma may be partially reversed with medications. Most treatments treat one condition or the other — asthma or allergies. However, some therapies can ease both allergy and asthma symptoms. These treatments include a daily pill or leukotriene modifier that controls the chemicals released by your immune system during an allergic reaction.

Immunotherapy or allergy shots involve exposing your body to a very small amount of the allergen. Over time, your body gets used to the allergen. When your body is accustomed to this substance, it won’t perceive it as a harmful invader. When the allergen isn’t perceived as a harmful invader, your body doesn’t produce the chemicals responsible for your symptoms.

Before Dr. Noga Askenazi and the staff can prescribe medications or suggest therapies, they need to understand what triggers the signs and symptoms of your asthma. Near Hoffman Estates, schedule a consultation by calling (847) 888-8802.

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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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