Allergy Care
Allergies can be a common nuisance, but there are ways to treat and manage allergic reactions. If you have allergy symptoms that interfere with your daily activities or if you are concerned about the side effects of over-the-counter medications, you should see one of our allergy specialists. Some of the common allergies and allergic conditions we treat include:
- Animal allergy
- Cockroach allergy
- Dust mite allergy
- Insect sting allergy
- Food allergy
- Latex allergy
- Medication allergy
- Mold allergy
- Pollen allergy
Allergic conditions treated
- Allergic Asthma
- Anaphylaxis
- Hives (Urticaria)
- Rhinitis (Nasal Inflammation)
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Diagnosis and testing
The diagnosis of allergies, or allergic disease, is based on the patient’s clinical history, family history, physical examination, skin tests and laboratory tests. Some of the common allergy tests include:
- Prick Skin Testing
- Intradermal Skin Testing:
- Blood/RAST Testing:
- Patch Skin Testing:
- Food Challenge
Treatments and procedures
Lifestyle Changes - The most effective approach to treating asthma or allergies is to avoid the factors that trigger the condition in the first place. Even when it is not possible to completely avoid allergens, an allergist can help you decrease exposure to allergens.
Medication prescriptions - A number of new and effective medications are available to treat both asthma and allergies.
Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots) - In this treatment, patients are given injections every week or two of some or all of the allergens that cause their allergy problems. Gradually the injections get stronger and stronger. In most cases, the allergy problems get less and less over time.
For more information, visit the Tulane School of Medicine Allergy & Immunology Clinic website.