Allergy and Immunology

Allergy and asthma symptoms are different for everyone.This is why you need treatment tailored to your health needs. At PeaceHealth, you’ll get care from specialists who are trained in allergy and immunology.These specialists are often called allergists and immunologists.

These doctors work closely with ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors, pulmonologists, dermatologists, rheumatologists and other specialists to give you complete care. They treat everything from seasonal allergies to autoimmune disorders and life-threatening allergic reactions in children and adults.

Your doctor may refer you to an allergy and immunology specialist if you have:

Allergic reactions such as swelling,nausea, trouble breathing or a skin rash
Asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath
Sinus problems such as sneezing, watery eyes, a stuffy nose or nasal congestion
Tiredness, achy muscles, swelling and other symptoms that are common in autoimmune disorders

Allergy and immunology specialists at PeaceHealth are experts at finding what triggers your symptoms and creating a treatment plan to help you feel better.

Expert diagnosis

PeaceHealth uses advanced immune system testing to find the cause of your symptoms. You’ll get a treatment plan that's created to fit your health needs and give you the power to take control of your symptoms.

Seamless, integrated care

Allergy and immunology specialists at PeaceHealth work with a wide range of specialists to give you comprehensive care. They work with ENT doctors, dermatologists, rheumatologists, pulmonologists and respiratory therapists to give you one-on-one attention and a care plan tailored to your needs.

Advanced treatments

Doctors at PeaceHealth draw from a wide range of advanced treatments to create your treatment plan. You’ll work with a team that’s focused on giving you the power to feel better, faster.You’ll also get ongoing support to manage your health for the long term.

Kid-friendly care

At PeaceHealth, you work with a team that knows how to put your child at ease. You and your child will know what to expect along the way — from diagnostic tests to managing their symptoms for the long term. Together, you and your child’s care team will design a treatment plan that fits your child’s needs.

Conditions We Treat

Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause breathing problems and a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Asthma: Asthma causes the airways in your lungs to swell or narrow, which makes it hard to breathe. Dust, pollen or smoke can trigger symptoms.
Autoimmune disorders: These conditions cause your body to mistakenly attack itself, rather than a virus or harmful bacteria. Disorders include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis.
Drug allergies: Some medicines — such as antibiotics, vaccines and chemotherapy medicines — can cause an allergic reaction.
Environmental allergies: Dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold and other substances in the environment can cause an allergic reaction.
Food allergies and sensitivities: Common food allergies and sensitivities include milk, nuts, shellfish, eggs, soy and wheat. Certain additives can also cause reactions.
Immunodeficiency disorders: These are diseases that make it harder to fight illnesses. You can be born with a disorder or it can happen later in life. They can also be caused by health conditions or medicines.
Insect bites and stings: The venom from insect stings or bites can trigger an allergic reaction. The most serious are caused by bees, wasps, hornets and fire ants.
Nasal conditions: These conditions narrow the airways in your nose and make it harder to breathe. Conditions include hay fever polyps and chronic sinusitis.
Pulmonary (lung) conditions: Some allergies can cause lung problems, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
Skin conditions: Many skin conditions are caused by allergies and immune system disorders, including eczema, contact dermatitis, hives, rashes and angioedema.

Treatments Provided

Allergy skin testing

These tests can show what you're allergic to by putting different substances (allergens) on or under your skin to see if there’s a reaction. They include patch, prick (a small pinprick) and intradermal (a shot) tests.

Asthma management

Allergy and immunology specialists at PeaceHealth find out what triggers your symptoms and form an action plan to prevent asthma attacks. You’ll also learn how to control your symptoms.

ENT Surgery

Surgery is a way to treat many ear, nose and throat(ENT) problems. If surgery is needed to treat your condition, your doctor will use the least invasive method possible. Common ear and throat surgeries include:

Balloon sinuplasty – Uses a catheter (tiny tube) and a balloon to clear nasal passages, pain-free
Turbinate reduction – Reduces the size of an enlarged structure in your nose by cutting it away or using radiofrequency (heat) ablation (remove tissue)
Septoplasty – Repairs the bone and cartilage that separates your nostrils
Ear tubes – Relieve fluid buildup or prevent infection in the inner ear
Tonsillectomy – Removes infected tonsils
Endoscopic sinus surgery – Treats chronic sinus infections and polyps using the latest in image guidance, balloon sinuplasty techniques and steroid implants.

In the case of head and neck cancer, your surgeon may recommend a thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy or minimally-invasive transoral laser microsurgery.

Food and drug challenge

This test can tell your doctor if you're allergic to a food or medicine and how much it takes to cause a reaction. Your doctor will give it to you in small doses until your body reacts. You’re watched closely during the test to keep you safe.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy gives you regular doses of an allergen to make your immune system react, but without causing a complete allergic reaction. Your doctor finds the right amount of the allergen you need through allergy testing. You may be given a shot, pills or drops.Your doctor will slowly raise the allergen dose to let your body adjust. This helps your symptoms fade over time./p>

Medicine management

Your treatment may include prescription or over-the-counter medicines to control your symptoms. Medicines may include pills, nasal sprays, inhalers and sinus rinses.

Patient education (general)

This includes disease information, tips about safety, health and fitness, school or work stress and mental well-being. Your care team will help give you the tools, tips and lifestyle changes to help you to be able to control symptoms.

Pediatric allergy and immunology

Your child can get expert, kid-friendly care from pediatric specialists at PeaceHealth. Specialists diagnose a full range of allergy and autoimmune disorders in children, including asthma. Your child's care team teaches you and your child the skills to help manage symptoms.