Crystal Lake patients ask, “When should I see a doctor for treatment of allergic disease?”

Crystal Lake patients ask, “When should I see a doctor for treatment of allergic disease?”

Allergies occur when your immune system has as reaction to something that is typically harmless like pollen, foods, dust mites, bug bites, etc. People who have allergies and encounter these allergens will experience a reaction from their immune system. The system will release a chemical (histamine) that causes typical allergy symptoms.

At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates, Dr. Noga Askenazi and the staff diagnose and treat a variety of allergic diseases.

How do I know if I’ve had an allergic reaction?

  • If the allergen stems from something you breathed in (like pollen), the reaction is most likely to affect your eyes, nose, or lungs.
  • If the allergen is something you ate, it will probably affect your mouth and/or cause a rash on the skin. Food allergies are also known for causing asthma-like symptoms, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and symptoms in the stomach or intestines.

Most of us are well aware of the typical allergy symptoms like runny noses, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, but what you may not know is allergies can cause or worsen asthma and even trigger sinus infections. It is important to seek the care of professionals like the team at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates to identify the cause of your allergy and come up with an effective plan for treatment.

When should I schedule an appointment with an allergy doctor?
You should call us to schedule a consultation if you are experiencing one or more of the following:

  • Your allergies are causing sinus infections or difficulty breathing
  • Your congestion, cough, or asthma is severe enough to affect your ability to work, go to school, or sleep
  • If over the counter antihistamines do not improve your symptoms
  • Signs of asthma including a cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, or a tightening feeling in the chest
  • A severe reaction to a bite or sting
  • Allergy symptoms that last for months

At Advanced Allergy & Asthma /Food Allergy Center, we will work with you to determine and treat the underlying cause of your allergy and help you move forward with dramatic improvements in symptoms. If you are in the Crystal Lake area and are currently suffering from allergies, call our office today to schedule a consultation.

Share this Article


Back to Allergy Treatment Page

Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates, logo

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.