Advanced Diagnosis and Allergy Treatment Options

Allergy and immunology specialists at University Hospitals provide the latest medical advancements in diagnostic and treatment options for both acute and chronic allergy conditions. Our board-certified allergy doctors offer highly specialized care for children and adults with allergies.

Our experienced team is skilled in treating a wise range of allergies, including those triggered by:

• Animal dander and household dust
• Bug sting allergies
• Chemicals, fragrances, and metals
• Dust mites and cockroaches and their waste
• Feathers
• Food
• Latex Mold and pollen

In, some instances, you may have difficulty telling if you or your loved one's symptoms are signs of allergies or something else (like the common cold). Typically, an allergic reaction results in:

• Red, itchy, dry skin and/or rashes
• Red, itchy, watery eyes
• Shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing
• Stuffy nose, sneezing or running nose
• Hives or welts

In extreme cases, an allergic person may experience what is called "anaphylactic shock," which can be life-threatening. Body tissues may swell, including tissues int he throat and tongue. Other symptoms may include dizziness, stomach cramps, headache and even loss of consciousness. If you or someone near you experiences anaphylactic shock symptoms like this, call 9-1-1 immediately. It's also a good idea to carry epinephrine - a drug which cam quickly counteract many of the serious consequences of anaphylactic shock - if you are susceptible to these kinds of episodes.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have allergies, please schedule an appointment with one of the Allergy specialists at University Hospitals. Our team will give you an exam, review your health history and possibly give you one of the following:

• Skin test. The skin allergy test is a safe and quick way to diagnose you allergy. About 15 minutes after the allergen is placed on the skin using a scratch test or small puncture, the allergy doctor can determine if you have an allergy and how strong it is. A small red area on the skin means that you have had a reaction.
• Blood test. Blood tests can also be used to measure your level of antibodies to specific allergens.

Once your allergy has been diagnosed, our team of allergy and immunology doctors will prescribe a customized care plan to help you manage your allergy symptoms.

With state-of-the-art technology and advanced allergy treatment options, University Hospitals offers patients the very latest medical advancements in allergy treatment, including:

• Allergy testing
• Allergy desensitization
• Allergy relief modalities
• Allergy (immunology) shots