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Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology
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Allergy Immunology Rheumatology

Allergy Programs

Comprehensive Relief from Allergy Symptoms

Allergies are atypical reactions by a person's immune system against a typically harmless substance, called an allergen. Almost anything can be an allergen or cause an allergic reaction, and more than 50 million Americans experience various types of allergies each year. Our compassionate team of allergy experts is here to provide the best possible care for people of all ages suffering from allergies.

New Patients
To ensure that we can provide you with the best possible health care experience, please complete these required forms before your appointment. Please be aware that certain medications can interfere with testing and should be discontinued seven (7) days prior to your skin test. A list of medications to avoid is provided in the Allergy New Patient Forms.
Complete the New Patient Form

Full-Service Allergy Care in Rochester

Allergies affect every part of your life, be their yours or a loved one’s. Our compassionate care includes individualized treatment plans, thorough allergy screenings, and a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on understanding the causes of allergic conditions so we can deliver the best, most comprehensive care.

The allergy experts at Rochester Regional Health often treat allergies including:

  • Animal dander - Animal fur dander (dead skin that animals shed), saliva, and urine, can cause allergy symptoms that may affect your eyes, lungs, nose, and skin.
  • Drugs and medications - Many medications can cause allergic reactions. Your Rochester Regional Health Allergist can help you determine if your reaction is serious enough to avoid in the future, or if it can be safely removed from your medical charts.
  • Environmental allergens - The air outside can irritate the eyes, lungs, nose, and skin. Your allergy provider can help you find the cause of your environmental allergies, as well as the right treatment for you.
  • Food allergies - A food allergy is an immune system response to a food protein that can cause symptoms that affect different parts of the body. Most develop in childhood, but they can also appear as an adult.
  • Insect bites - Stings and bites from insects can cause mild to severe allergic reactions.
  • Latex - Latex is produced by rubber trees and blended with chemicals during the manufacturing process. Nearly half of all people with a latex injury also suffer from other allergies.
  • Pediatric allergies - Children of all ages can experience allergic reactions. Our Pediatric Allergy Program offers compassionate, kid-centered services for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric allergy problems. 
  • Seasonal allergies - Allergens from animals, pollens (found in grasses, trees, and weeds), and molds can cause symptoms like sneezing, itchy/red eyes, nose stuffiness, and post-nasal drip.

Depending upon your allergy type, the severity of your reaction, and your overall health, the providers at the Allergy Center will craft the right treatment plan for you.

 

Symptoms of Allergies

The symptoms of allergies vary person-by-person, but common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Congestion
  • Coughing
  • Cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
  • Mental confusion or dizziness
  • Rash
  • Sneezing
  • Swelling
  • Vomiting
  • Wheezing

If you are experiencing these symptoms, don't wait to make an appointment so we can pinpoint the cause and ease your symptoms.

 

Diagnosing Allergies

If you suspect you may be suffering from allergies, our providers will start you off with a general physical examination and a thorough medical history. From there, we will help you pinpoint the cause of your allergic symptoms. Our allergists will use allergy tests to determine the source of your allergic reaction.

A prick skin test is the most commonly used allergy test. By pricking the surface of your skin with standardized allergens (like cat, dog, grass, etc.), we can see which allergens cause you to develop small hives. The hives will disappear within an hour, and your allergist can apply cream or an antihistamine after testing, if required.

If your provider recommends patch testing, allergens will be applied to patches, which are then placed on your skin (usually on your arm or back). The substances typically tested include dyes, fragrances, medications, and metals. After wearing the patches for about 48 hours, the patches will be removed at a follow-up appointment. Inflammation at the patch site may indicate an allergy, and your Allergy Center provider will go over the results with you.

We also use blood tests to determine if you have allergen-specific IgEs. This simple test typically only involves a single needle prick, and measures the level of IgE in your skin. IgE, or Immunoglobulin, is the antibody your immune system produces that causes allergic reactions. Small amounts of the antibody can be found in your body, which we measure with the blood test. This test is recommended for patients who may be taking medications that can interfere with the results of a skin test, or in cases where a test may cause a strong reaction.


Allergy Treatments

Once you’ve completed your extensive diagnostic testing, our experienced staff will work together to evaluate your results and create a personalized treatment plan. Our team utilizes a collaborative approach that will incorporate key staff to ensure no part of your care is overlooked.

Utilizing drug therapy and allergy shots (also called immunotherapy), our team offers relief from allergy symptoms. 

Drug Therapy

Our physicians help treat allergies and combat symptoms, through the safe, appropriate, and economical use of medicines that help control immune system chemicals that are released during an allergic reaction. 

Your Allergy Center provider will help you find the right drug or drugs to manage your symptoms and give you piece of mind. 

Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

We also treat allergic reactions by administering regular injections of a small amount of the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Progressively, we will increase the doses until your immune system builds up a tolerance to the allergen over time, and your allergic reactions diminish. 

We offer walk-in allergy shot clinics at locations across Rochester and Western NY.

Our Allergy Locations

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