Allergy Information

Allergy is an overreaction of the immune system. People who have allergies experience reactions to environmental or ingested substances that are normally harmless to most individuals. These substances are called allergens. Re-exposure to these allergens, such as pollen, causes the immune system to react. The body, due to heredity and interaction with the environment, produce specific types of antibody, called IgE, to fight the allergen. The antibodies attach to a blood cell called a mast cell. Mast cells are plentiful in the airways and in the gastrointestinal tract where allergens tend to enter the body. The mast cells explode releasing a variety of chemicals including histamine, which causes the symptoms of allergy. Allergies might result in allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal difficulties, asthma, hives, and a severe form of an allergic reaction - anaphylaxis, which is life threatening.

The field of clinical allergy is a complex one and requires thorough, time consuming attention to details for best results. It is the desire of this office to provide you with the finest allergy care available.

Allergies are a very common problem affecting at least two out of every ten Americans.

The field of clinical allergy is a complex one and requires thorough, time consuming attention to details for best results. It is the desire of this office to provide you with the finest allergy care available.