Allergy and Immunology

In our outpatient allergy clinics, we perform prick skin testing for environmental and food allergens. Antibiotic skin testing is also available, along with vaccine skin testing for children who have had allergic reactions to antibiotics or vaccines. Our physicians administer allergy immunotherapy injections for patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.  

In-office oral food challenges to foods such as milk, egg and peanut are performed to confirm loss of food allergies. We also offer in-office food challenges with baked egg or baked milk for selected patients. Peanut oral immunotherapy (Palforzia) is available for appropriate patients. 

Pulmonary function testing (spirometry) is an additional tool for patients with chronic cough or known asthma. We perform immune evaluations for children with recurrent infections, chronic rhinosinusitis or recurrent fevers. We also evaluate newborn infants who have abnormal screening tests for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency and care for children with primary immunodeficiency disorders who often require immune globulin replacement therapy and other complex therapies.

Because asthma, allergies and immune disorders are typically chronic conditions, the Allergy/Immunology Division follows children over time, performing close monitoring and adjusting treatment as needed. Many childhood allergies and even asthma may be outgrown over time.

Available treatment options include allergy medications (pharmacotherapy) for disorders such as hay fever. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are considered for patients not responding to medication. Children with food allergies may be instructed in the emergency use of adrenaline autoinjectors, as well as dietary management. Ongoing patient education is helpful for all of our patients, including those with food allergies, environmental allergies and primary immunodeficiency disorders.