WHAT WE DO
ALLERGIC RHINITIS AND SINUS DISEASE
Our sinuses are hollow cavities in our skulls that reduce the weight of our heads. These hollow cavities drain into the nose. Anything that clogs the nose—allergies, colds, a deviated septum—will block the proper drainage of the sinuses. This creates an environment for a sinus infection to develop. If this lasts more than 6 weeks, we call it a chronic sinus infection.
While we can treat acute and chronic sinus infections, our goal is always to prevent them from occurring in the first place. We investigate if the underlying cause is related to allergies. Allergies can play an important role in chronic (long-lasting) or seasonal rhinitis episodes. Nasal and sinus passages become swollen, congested, and inflamed in an attempt to flush out offending inhaled particles that trigger allergies. Pollen are seasonal allergens. Molds, dust mites and pet dander can cause symptoms year-round. Many of our allergy therapies are effective in preventing sinus infections.
ASTHMA
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. There are many different types of asthma, brought on by many different triggers. Understanding what type of asthma you have can result in better treatment and quality of life.An allergist can determine if you have asthma through a series of tests. Research has shown that after a single visit with an allergist, asthma patients can expect, on average, a 10% improvement in lung function. At JAAI Institute, we are asthma specialists dedicated to asthma prevention. We have sophisticated testing available to make the diagnosis of asthma and track improvement. We use the most up-to-date medications with the fewest side effects.
OCULAR ALLERGY
Also called allergic conjunctivitis or ocular allergy, eye allergy occurs when something you are allergic to irritates the conjunctiva. This is the delicate membrane covering the eye and the inside of the eyelid. Like all allergies, allergic conjunctivitis starts when the immune system identifies an otherwise harmless substance as an allergen. This causes your immune system to overreact and produce allergic antibodies. The most common causes of allergic conjunctivitis are seasonal allergens such as pollen and mold spores. Indoor allergens such as dust mites and pet dander can also cause eye allergies year-round.
FOOD ALLERGY
If you have a food allergy, your immune system overreacts to a particular protein found in that food. Symptoms can occur when coming in contact with just a tiny amount of the food. Food allergies are rapidly increasing in prevalence. Peanut allergy for children less than 18 years old has doubled every decade over the 30 years, increasing from 0.6% in 1997 to 1.2% in 2002 and 2.1% in 2007. Nine foods are responsible for the majority of allergic reactions: Milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, wheat. Allergic reactions to food normally occur within minutes of eating the trigger food. Symptoms of a food allergy include: Hives or red, itchy skin, Vomiting, stomach cramps or diarrhea, Angioedema or swelling. Proper diagnosis of food allergies is extremely important.
SKIN ALLERGIES
Typical allergic skin conditions we encounter include eczema, atopic dermatitis, hives, and contact dermatitis. We also see a number of non-allergic skin conditions such as viral rashes, staph infections, and fungal infections. Patients will often come to us worried about allergic reactions to soaps, cosmetics, detergents, and fragrances. We offer the most extensive panel of testing available for these contact allergens. We can also test for allergies to metals and cements that you might find in orthopedic and dental implants.
HIVES AND ANGIOEDEMA
Hives or welts, also known as urticaria, are itchy, raised, reddish areas on the skin. About a quarter of the general population can have hives during their life. Hives often appear without warning and may start at any age. Angioedema is swelling below the surface of the skin and fatty tissue. Angioedema usually occurs in the face, throat, hands, and feet. Swelling can also occur in the abdomen or other areas of the body. Unexplained hives and/or swelling can be very disconcerting. Patients can become consumed with fear of an impending life-threatening reaction without an obvious trigger. Frequently with recurrent episodes of hives or swelling, there is no allergic trigger, but an underlying autoimmune condition or viral infection that causes the reaction. In rare instances, a genetic condition called Hereditary Angioedema can be present. Regardless of the cause, our doctors at JAAI Institute are uniquely qualified to handle even the most difficult to control episodes.
MEDICATION AND LATEX ALLERGY
Many people have been told by a doctor or a parent that they are allergic to a medication. In fact, 10% of the population reports an allergy to Penicillin. Testing for a medication allergy can be difficult, as the only commercially available test is for Penicillin. If you have been told that you are allergic Penicillin and would like to know if you TRULY are, please make an appointment for testing. This is very important given the resistance that can be formed to stronger antibiotics you may need in the future.
For other medication allergies, we scour the medical literature to find an appropriate dose of the medication to make a custom skin test just for you. This method of testing is fairly reliable, but we confirm every negative skin test with a challenge to a small dose of the medication in the office. By testing this way, you will have the confidence to take the medication at home, knowing that you have already taken it safely in the comfort and security of our office.
INSECT ALLERGIES
Stinging insects such as bees, hornets, wasps, and fire ants produce venoms that many people are allergic to. Research shows that people who are allergic to these insects get stung more often than the general population. We don’t know why this happens, but it definitely reminds us of the importance of getting tested, knowing your allergen, and having life-saving treatment available if necessary. Desensitization with allergy shots is available for stinging insects. This therapy is potentially life saving and is highly recommended for anyone with an insect venom allergy.
ALLERGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a form of long-term treatment that decreases symptoms for many people with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, conjunctivitis (eye allergy) or stinging insect allergy. Allergy shots decrease sensitivity to allergens and often leads to lasting relief of allergy symptoms even after treatment is stopped. This makes it a cost-effective, beneficial treatment approach for many people.
DISORDER OF IMMUNE SYSTEM | PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY
According to the leading experts in immunology, when part of the immune system. is either absent or not functioning properly, it can result in an immune deficiency disease. When the cause of this deficiency is hereditary or genetic, it is called a primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD). Researchers have identified more than 300 different kinds of PIDD. Serious PIDDs typically become apparent in infancy. For example, severe T-cell or combined immune deficiencies typically present in infancy. However, some antibody deficiencies may present in older children or adults. In milder forms, it often takes a pattern of recurrent infections before PIDD is suspected.
Important signs that may indicate a PIDD include:
- Recurrent, unusual or difficult to treat infections
- Poor growth or loss of weight
- Recurrent pneumonia, ear infections or sinusitis
- Multiple courses of antibiotics or IV antibiotics necessary to clear infections
- Recurrent deep abscesses of the organs or skin
- A family history of PIDD
- Swollen lymph glands or an enlarged spleen
- Autoimmune disease
Patients Reviews
Allergy Immunology Specialists
Information was adapted from the AAAI website