Allergy

Allergy services, including disease assessment and treatment, are available to patients with such illnesses as chronic and seasonal rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane), and asthma (narrowing of the bronchial tubes), and for skin problems such as hives and eczema (inflammatory condition of the skin). An allergy evaluation involves the gathering of a patient's detailed history, emphasizing indoor and outdoor antigen (any substance coming in contact with cells that causes a sensitive reaction) exposure. To confirm a diagnosis, allergy skin tests are performed to identify various inhalant (breathed substance), pollen and food antigens. Emphasis is placed on teaching the patient to avoid substances that trigger the allergic symptoms. When avoidance is not practical, medical treatment, which sometimes includes a program of immunotherapy (allergy shots), is begun.