At Central Indiana Allergy, we feel our patients achieve better results managing their allergies when they are well informed.

We encourage all patients to learn as much as possible about the causes of allergy symptoms and take an active role with us in treatments.

The information below is designed to help you understand about various types of conditions, underlying causes, and how we can help you manage them best.  If you have any questions about this information, please feel free to call our office.  We will be happy to talk with you.


Asthma

Asthma is a chronic illness that affects the airways resulting in symptoms of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and/or chest tightness. The symptoms of asthma are due to inflammation, hyperreactivity and constriction of the airways.  Asthma symptoms can be triggered by numerous factors such as allergens, irritants, viral infections, exercise, sinusitis, weather changes, and acid reflux.  Poorly controlled asthma has significant negative effects on work, school, and overall well-being.  Severe exacerbations can result in death.

  Skin Allergies

Hives (urticaria) are red, raised, swollen areas of skin that occur anywhere on the body.  Typically, they appear suddenly and last less than 24 hours.  Common causes of hives include allergic reactions (e.g., foods or medications) and viral infections.

Angioedema consists of significant swelling that involves deeper layers of skin.  There is usually no redness or itching.  Common sites of involvement are lips, eyelids, and genitals.  Involvement of the tongue or throat can result in life threatening airway obstruction.  Angioedema may occur with or without hives.  Angioedema may be caused by allergic reactions (e.g., foods or medications) or genetic disorders (hereditary angioedema).

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a red, scaly, itchy rash that commonly affects the face, elbows, and knees.  It is more common in children but also occurs in adults.  Flare-ups can be triggered by allergens (e.g., foods, dust mites) or non-specific factors.

Contact Dermatitis is a rash that occurs after a substance comes into contact with the skin.  In allergic contact dermatitis, the immune system produces a delayed hypersensitivity reaction resulting in an itchy, red, oozing reaction.  A typical example is poison ivy dermatitis.  Other causes include metals, perfumes, cosmetics, dyes, and rubber products.  In irritant contact dermatitis, a non-allergic reaction occurs resulting in damage to the skin.  Typically it results more in pain than itching.  Patch testing can help determine if there is an allergic cause for your rash.

Consultation with a board certified Allergist-Immunologist is helpful to determine the specific diagnosis and determine a comprehensive treatment plan to provide satisfactory relief of symptoms.

Links

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 
Information for patients regarding allergies and asthma.

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
For comprehensive information on allergies and asthma, visit the ACAAI's patient education website.  The site provides trusted resources on a variety of topics, including food allergies, allergy testing, and eye allergies. 
For quick access to their patient education website, click the link below.
http://www.acaai.org/allergist/Pages/default.aspx
For quick access to their current asthma and allergy news releases, click the link below.
http://www.acaai.org/press/news-releases/Pages/default.aspx

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
Learn about food allergies and anaphylaxis. 

Immune Deficiency Foundation
Learn about primary immune deficiencies.

National Allergy Bureau
Check pollen and mold spore counts in Indianapolis and throughout the U.S.

National Eczema Association
Information about eczema.

American Board of Allergy and Immunology
Learn about the qualifications of an Allergist-Immunologist.

American Board of Medical Specialties
Check to see if your doctor is board certified.