Asthma

ASTHMA is a chronic illness that affects the airways resulting in symptoms of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness. There is a changing pattern of symptoms over time and unpredictable episodes of exacerbation. The symptoms of asthma are due to inflammation, hyperreactivity, and constriction of the airways. Factors that increase the risk of having asthma are a positive family history of asthma and the presence of other allergic disorders such as allergic rhinitis (hayfever) and eczema. 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, and severe exacerbations can result in death.
Although asthma cannot be cured, its symptoms can be controlled. In-office consultation will help determine whether your respiratory symptoms are due to asthma and which factors trigger exacerbations. Skin testing will identify allergic sensitivities. A comprehensive treatment plan includes education about asthma, appropriate avoidance measures, medical therapy, and allergy shots (if appropriate).

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) or viral infections.

ANGIOEDEMA consists of significant swelling that involves deeper layers of the skin. There is usually no redness or itching. Common sites of involvement are eyelids, lips, 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.

Central Indiana Allergy - (317) 865-0055

Indianapolis Office by St. Francis South Hospital 5255 E. Stop 11 Rd., Suite 260, Indianapolis, IN 46237	Zionsville Office 55 Brendon Way, Suite 300, Zionsville, IN 46077
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Allergy Information
At Central Indiana Allergy, we feel that 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'll be happy to talk with you. For more information about allergies and asthma, visit the "Patients and Consumers" Center at www.aaaai.org.

Asthma ASTHMA is a chronic illness that affects the airways resulting in symptoms of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness. There is a changing pattern of symptoms over time and unpredictable episodes of exacerbation. The symptoms of asthma are due to inflammation, hyperreactivity, and constriction of the airways. Factors that increase the risk of having asthma are a positive family history of asthma and the presence of other allergic disorders such as allergic rhinitis (hayfever) and eczema. 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, and severe exacerbations can result in death. Although asthma cannot be cured, its symptoms can be controlled. In-office consultation will help determine whether your respiratory symptoms are due to asthma and which factors trigger exacerbations. Skin testing will identify allergic sensitivities. A comprehensive treatment plan includes education about asthma, appropriate avoidance measures, medical therapy, and allergy shots (if appropriate).

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) or viral infections. ANGIOEDEMA consists of significant swelling that involves deeper layers of the skin. There is usually no redness or itching. Common sites of involvement are eyelids, lips, 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.

Allergy Information

Asthma

Skin Allergies