Allergy and Immunology

Allergy and immunology centers around the study, diagnosis and treatment of the immune system – a complex network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect the body from germs and foreign invaders that cause infection, illness and disease.

Allergy and Immunity Services
An Allergist, also known as an Immunologist, specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of immune system disorders. ECHN’s Allergists and Immunologist have the ability to diagnose and treat:

• Asthma: Asthma is when a person’s airways are inflamed, become narrow and swell and produce extra mucus which makes it hard to breathe.
  
  
• Eczema (Dermatitis): This condition leads to patches of dry, itchy skin which can be the result of an allergic reaction.
  
  
• Food, drug and insect allergies: An allergic reaction can be to medications, foods and insect bites/stings. Symptoms can present as skin rashes, hives, itching, vomiting, respiratory problems or swelling. It can also produce anaphylaxis – swelling, trouble breathing, throat tightness, hives, lowered blood pressure and sometimes shock – which requires immediate medical attention. To determine if you have an allergy, certain skin tests and blood tests are ordered.
  
  
• Immunodeficiencies: Immunodeficiency is when the immune system is unable to fight infections and diseases. Examples include leukemia, viral hepatitis, or multiple myeloma (cancer of plasma cells that produce antibodies).
  
  
• Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Hay fever presents as congestion, headache, fatigue, sneezing and itching that can be disabling.
  
  
• Seasonal allergies: Seasonal allergies occur only during certain times of the year, commonly when trees, weeds and grasses release pollen into the air. The immune system overreacts to environmental changes, and symptoms present in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, stomach, on the skin or as asthma.
  
  
• Sinusitis: This condition causes persistent postnasal drip and a cough year-round and could result in asthma and hay fever.
  
  
• Urticaria (Hives) and Angioedema (Swelling): This can be a brief outbreak or a chronic condition that produces itchy, red, swollen areas of the skin.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with one of our Allergists or Immunologists, a primary care physician will need to refer you to our office.