When the body’s immune system reacts to a foreign substance like a particular food, pet dander or medication, it’s called an allergy. An allergic reaction can range from mild to severe, and includes anything from a stuffy nose, skin rash or swelling to the life threatening swelling of lips, throat and tongue (anaphylaxis). The severity of allergies varies from person to person.
Physicians offer careful evaluation and management services for a wide variety of allergic conditions including allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, perennial non-allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, urticaria, anaphylaxis, drug, food, and venom allergy, and immunodeficiencies. Special services include skin testing, allergy immunotherapy, intravenous gamma globulin therapy and when necessary, breath training, which may lead to fewer irritants inhaled and a less reactive immune system. Drug desensitization in an ICU setting is also performed when necessary.