The basics of specialty testing for Asthma in Illinois

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The basics of specialty testing for Asthma in Illinois

If you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from allergies, you know that they can have a major effect on your day-to-day life. Discovering the cause of your allergies is the first step to coming up with an effective treatment plan. At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates, we offer a variety of specialty testing that is convenient and extremely accurate at identifying common allergens.

Allergy testing is safe. There is always a risk of allergy symptoms during test because of exposure to potential allergen. The most common side effects are rashes, swelling, or itching near the testing area. Both adults and children can be tested for allergy.

Testing can help discover a wide range of allergies including:

  • Pollen
  • Dust mites
  • Animal dander
  • Foods
  • Insects
  • Molds
  • Medications

The most common testing is skin and blood tests.

Allergy Skin Tests

There are two main types of skin tests: prick and patch testing. During the prick test, a minute amount of the potential allergen is pricked on the back or forearm. Patients who are allergic to the allergen will react in the area of exposure. During the patch test, a small area on the back is exposed to the allergen and then covered with a bandage and tape and left for several days before being evaluated for allergic reaction.

Allergy Blood Tests

Blood testing for allergies is not as common as skin testing, but can still be a valuable tool for doctors and patients. Blood tests are often performed if a patient cannot receive skin testing or if they are taking a medication that may interfere with skin testing.

Allergy tests are extremely important tools that can help us to recommend the best medications and treatment options available. The most common symptoms from allergies include chest congestion, itchy/watery eyes and nose, hives, eczema, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Treating allergies is important to prevent patients from experiencing anaphylaxis, which can potentially be a life threatening reaction.

For patients in Illinois, specialty treatment for allergies can help them get the medications they need to reduce symptoms. If you are ready to find out more about allergy testing, call to set up your appointment.

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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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