THE OFFICES OF
Howard Menikoff, MD & Jenny Shliozberg, MD
New York: 212.473.7892
Brooklyn: 718.338.1313
The Hamptons: 631.998.4054
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THE VILLAGE Allergy Asthma Immunology Centre
ready... set... {Breathe}
- Services -
The doctors at The Village Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Center will start by obtaining the most complete and accurate information from you. Accurate diagnosis relies on a detailed medical history, evaluation of the patient lifestyle and environment.
Accurate diagnosis relies on a detailed medical history and evaluation of the patient lifestyle and environment
Airborne/Environmental Allergies
Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds
• Trees pollinate from February - June
• Grasses pollinate from April - July
• Weeds pollinate from June - October
Dust mites
• Microscopically found in bedding
• Perennial, but cause worsening
symptoms from October - March
Mold spores
• Indoor and outdoor
• Symptoms are year round
Pet allergens - specifically cats and dogs
• Found in the dander, saliva and urine
Insects
• Bee stings, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets,
fire ants and mosquitoes
Occupational
• Depends solely on what you are exposed to
Food Allergies
Of the more than three thousand foods, there is not a single food that has not caused at least one allergic reaction in someone, somewhere. Symptoms will vary from hives/welts or urticaria to asthma, eczema, nasal or sinus conditions, ear infections, stomach or intestinal disorders, headaches, migraines or general malaise.
Most common in children are:
• Milk • Peanut
• Egg • Corn
• Wheat • Soy
• Fish
Most common in adults are:
• Shellfish
• Tree nuts
• Peanuts
Other Allergies
Contact Exposure Allergies
These allergies can be due to:
• Latex/rubber
• Jewelry/metal
• Cosmetics/perfumes
• Chemicals
Drug/Medications Allergies
Adverse reactions to drugs are common and can be life-threatening. Every drug can cause at least one reaction, however some of the most common include:
• Antibiotics (e.g. Penicillin)
• Analgesics (e.g. Aspirin & NSAIDs)
• Antiseizure (e.g. Phenytoin)
Dental/Mouth Reactions
An allergy test for people who developed a reaction to the various chemical/glues/cements/adhesives that a dentist uses for implants and other work.
Diagnosis
Skin Testing
Prick or Scratch Testing
Putting 2 to 4 sterile plastic applicators onto the forearms, without any bleeding, so as to test up to 40 allergens, either airborne environmental or food. Results in 20 minutes!
Intradermal
Used only for the negative prick tests, if necessary, for confirmation.
Patch Testing
Used for both contact allergies, such as latex/rubber, jewelry/metal, cosmetic/perfume and chemicals.
Oral Challenge
Giving either a food or a drug that is suspected to be the cause of an allergic reaction to help establish if in fact that was the true cause
Oral Desensitization
This is a technique to desensitize a patient to a medication causing an allergic reaction. Most commonly this is done for penicillin or aspirin.
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
Pulmonary function tests measure how well the lungs take in and release air.
Pulmonary function tests are done to:
• Find the cause of shortness of breath.
• Diagnose certain types of lung disease, such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.
Immunology
Can test the immune system if it's a cause of anaphylaxis, angioedema or recurrent infections.
Accurate diagnosis relies on a detailed medical history and evaluation of the patient lifestyle and environment
Illnesses
Rhinitis
A common condition which causes irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose.
Sinusitis
A common condition that causes inflammation of the sinuses. It can be due to infection, allergy, or autoimmune issues.
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It is commonly due to an infection or an allergic reaction.
Otitis
General term for inflammation or infection of the ear.
Hives/Urticaria
A kind of skin rash notable for pale red, raised and itchy bumps. It may also cause a burning or stinging sensation and are frequently caused by allergic reaction.
Dermatitis
There are several types of dermatitis. They are distinguished based on the factor that triggers the skin reaction.
Eczema
A form of chronic inflammation of the skin including dryness and recurring skin rashes that are characterized by one or more of these symptoms: redness, swelling, itching,dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing or bleeding.
Asthma
Chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Headache/Migraine
A chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent moderate to severe headaches. Migraines are believed to be due to a mixture of environmental and genetic factors. About two-thirds of cases run in families.
Anaphylaxis
A serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. It typically causes a number of symptoms including an itchy rash, throat swelling, and low blood pressure. Common causes include insect bites/stings, foods, and medications.
Angioedema
The rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa and submucosal tissues.
GastroEsophagitis Reflux Disease (GERD)
A chronic symptom of mucosal damage caused by stomach acid coming up from the stomach into the esophagus.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis
An allergic inflammatory condition of the esophagus. Symptoms are swallowing difficulty, food impaction, and heartburn.
Treatments
Allergy shots or (Immuno Therapy)
This is the administration of the offending allergen, injected subcutaneously in order to desensitize, or make the patient immune to that allergen.
SLIT, (Sub Lingual Immuno Therapy)
These are allergy drops administered under the tongue by the patient, at home. Although somewhat less effective than standard allergy shots, this a wonderful alternative for patients who are either “afraid” of needles or cannot commit to the time involved in going for “shots”.
XOLAIR
A drug, administered intra-muscularly, anywhere from 1 injection once a month to 3 injections every 2 weeks, differs from standard allergy desensitization in that it makes the patient not less allergic, but rather un-allergic.
DID YOU KNOW?
Children with nasal allergies or eczema, who if desensitized, are much less likely to develop asthma