What is Allergy Immunology

Immunology is a very broad branch of biological science. It is commonly defined as the study of the immune system. In medicine, an immunologist is a specialist who uses his knowledge to evaluate, diagnose and manage patients with immunological disorders like asthma, food allergies, sinusitis, and more. In Phoenix, immunologists is commonly referred to as  allergists.

Specially Licensure:

An allergy immunologist such as Dr. Habib-Khazen and Dr Alasaly had to go through years of education and training in order to learn how to treat and manage allergies and asthma.

Our doctors must complete a medical degree, and then, train as a physician in either pediatrics or internal medicine. Once training has been completed, the physician must pass either the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Board of Pediatrics.

To become an immunologist, a physician must undergo an additional two years of study (fellowship) focusing on immunology, and  pass the American Board of Allergy and Immunology’s certifying exam.

An allergist/immunologist's education and training doesn't stop there. Because immunology is applied to several other scientific disciplines, new discoveries in the field are continually being made. To remain a certified immunologist in Phoenix, continued medical education is  necessary in order to keep up with the latest news and remain competent in the field.

The Role of the Allergy/Immunologist:

Unlike other types of diseases, allergic disease isn’t a condition that can “go away” easily. Some people dismiss allergies and regard them as a mere nuisance. Patients who suffer from allergies know that this condition can  be debilitating and  keep them from their daily routines.

An effective Phoenix immunologist diagnoses the condition and provides a management plan to help the patient manage his allergy or asthma better, reducing the number of times the patient misses school or work because he/she has to stay at home to rest. The immunologist uses different allergy tests to determine what a patient is allergic to and what triggers allergic reactions. These tests include allergy skin testing, pulmonary function testing, penicillin testing, food testing, chemical and food patch testing, and venom and stinging insect testing.

Consult our Allergy Asthma Clinics which are renowned for the quality of care:

When in need of comprehensive treatment options, you can rely on our dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and staff to work with you in helping you better manage your asthmatic allergy or respiratory/sinus concerns. By working with our  certified and experienced team at our Phoenix clinic or another location, you will find out exactly the cause of your condition, what triggers your asthma or allergic reaction, and how you can effectively manage it.

Find out why 1000s of patients have chosen us to be their Phoenix immunologists!  Please call NOW to schedule appointment at 602-242-4592! 

Moving Beyond Your Mucousy Misery: A Guide to Visiting the Allergy Doctor

Brain fog. Puffy eyes. Constantly dripping nose. Sneezes that throw your back out. Wishing you took out stock in the tissue industry…. When you’re experiencing more than your typical allergies, a typical doctor such as your primary care physician may not be able to offer the symptom management you need. To get back to your much-loved and missing quality of life, enlisting the help of a knowledgeable and well-versed allergy doctor may be in order.
How can you attain optimal results?

• Plan ahead.
  Keeping a symptom diary on timing and triggers before visiting your area Scottsdale allergy clinic.
• Follow through.
  Make – and attend – the appointment. Your allergy doctor can’t help you if you don’t show! Be sure to ask about special instructions for you appointment for the most efficient use of everyone’s time.
• Be prepared.
  During your visit, be sure to have access to the following information:
  
  • Your complete medical history.
    This may involve a records transfer from other physicians to help your allergist paint a complete picture and understand if any lifelong problems may be contributing to your condition.
  • Your allergy history – and your family’s.
    This helps your doctor gain a better understanding on contributing factors, such as desert foliage, pollution, and other common contributors. Family history is also especially important in food allergies.
  • Your medications.
    Bring in medications currently in use, as well as those used in the past which have been effective, for your doctor to review during your visit.
  • Your questions.
    Allergy doctors like – and encourage – questions. Writing a list prior to your visit ensures you won’t forget any.

Though some general practitioners may be able to diagnose and treat your allergies, moderate, severe, or long-lasting cases require the attention of an understanding allergy doctor. Get the help your raw nose and antihistamine-laden body really needs. Find a Scottsdale allergy clinic near you today!

Asthma: Cure and treatment

 Asthma effects 25 million Americans, its incidence growing at an alarming rate. Controlling its symptoms can be a frustrating experience, leaving asthma suffers to feel lost as to the causes and frequency of attacks. What’s an asthma sufferer to do? Have a plan!

Know and avoid your triggers

Common triggers identified by your Phoenix Allergy and Asthma Clinic include:

• Colds
• Upper respiratory infections
• Cold weather
• Exercise
• Pet dander and other allergens
• Cigarette smoke and other pollutants effecting air quality
• Severe heartburn (including GERD - gastroesophageal reflux disease)

  

Fight flare-ups with the right medications

• Long term control
• Inhaled corticosteroids such as fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone and beclomethasone.
• Combination inhalers such as fluticasone-salmeterol, budesonide-formoterol and mometasone-formoterol.
• Leukotriene modifiers, such as montelukast .
• Theophylline
• Cromolyn
• And more (a quality asthma specialist will know which one is right for you)

• Quick relief:
• Bronchodilators delivered via inhaler or nebulizer.

• Immunotherapy:
• Allergy shots determined by allergy tests

  

Recognize the signs of impending attacks

These include an increased need for your rescue inhaler and increased frequency of asthma signs and problems:

• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness/pain
• Whistling/wheezing sounds
• Difficulty sleeping due to breathing issues
• Coughing/wheezing worsened by cold and flu

  

Track it

Always track your asthma symptoms, including flare-ups and how asthma is effecting your normal activities. Note how well medications are managing symptoms, and side effects, making changes with the help of your asthma doctor as needed. The more quickly you act, the less likely severe attacks will occur, reducing your need for medication and emergency medical attention.

Know when to go

Seek emergency treatment when difficulty breathing rapidly worsens, asthma effects minimal physical activity (such as a trip to the bathroom), and symptoms do not improve with the help of your rescue inhaler.

Children's Food Allergies Are On the Rise - Is Your Child Protected?

On the rise at your local allergy and asthma clinic: food allergies in children, to the tune of an increase around 50 percent between 1997 and 2011. That’s one in every 13 children, over 38 percent of which have a history of severe allergic reactions. Is your child effected by this potentially deadly issue?  

Food allergy suspects: Repeat offenders
The most common food allergens seen in an allergy and asthma clinic are allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. These eight foods account for 90 percent of all reactions. Even trace amounts can cause an allergic response. With over 30 percent of children with food allergies having sensitivities to multiple items, that’s a huge possibility of allergic reaction.

Keep kids safe - learn the signs of food allergies!
Within minutes to up to two hours after eating, food allergy reactions may be mild to severe, including…

• Hives or itchy skin rashes.
• Swelling of the lips and face.
• Swollen, itchy, watery eyes.
• Swelling of the mouth or throat.
• Runny nose.
• Repetitive cough.
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
• Stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Handling a severe food allergy reaction in your child
Every 3 minutes, someone is seen in an emergency room for a food allergy. To keep your child from becoming a statistic, it pays to be proactive.

• Identify food allergies with the help of your local allergy and asthma clinic.
• Consider medical identification jewelry.
• Don’t take chances with problem foods. Reactions can worsen, and allergy medications are not foolproof.
• When eating away from home, always read labels and ask questions to ensure food safety.
• If you are at risk of severe food allergy reactions or anaphylaxis, keep doses of epinephrine (adrenaline) on you at all times for administration via auto-injector.
• Make sure prescriptions are up-to-date.
• Ensure your child, family members, and those who see your child on a regular basis (teachers, coaches, etc.) are aware of your child’s food allergy, as well as how and when to administer emergency medication.
• If your child experiences a severe allergic response, don’t wait, treat symptoms immediately!
• ALWAYS call 9-1-1 immediately following an anaphylactic reaction, even if medication appears to have resolved symptoms.

Food allergies don’t have to take over your life. Avoid anaphylaxis and effectively manage food allergies with the help of your local allergy and asthma clinic today!


“Facts and Statistics.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.foodallergy.org/facts-and-stats.
“Allergy Statistics.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.aaaai.org/about-the-aaaai/newsroom/allergy-statistics.aspx
“Food Allergy Training Guide for Hospital and Food Service Staff.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.foodallergy.org/document.doc?id=149
“About Anaphylaxis.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.foodallergy.org/anaphylaxis
“FAACT Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team Brochure.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.foodallergyawareness.org/media/faactbrochure/FAACT%20Brochure.pdf

Worsening Children's Allergies: Is Your Dishwasher to Blame?

Hate handwashing your dishes, relying on your dishwasher to make your daily chore list a little lighter? You could be contributing to your child’s allergy and asthma symptoms, according to a recent study *published in the journal Pediatrics conducted by pediatric allergy doctors.

A dirty discovery:
In the questionnaire-based study, pediatric allergy doctors focused on 1,029 children ages 7-8. The findings: Families who utilized hand dishwashing over automatic dishwashers experienced a reduced risk of allergic symptoms such as asthma, eczema, nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, sneezing, red eyes, and itching of the nose and eyes. Children who at more fermented or farm-fresh foods were also noted as exhibiting lower rates of allergies, with the lowest risk associate with those children whose dishes were hand washed and food was procured directly from farms.

Too much of a good thing:
According to the hygiene hypothesis, children in developing countries grow up in an overly sanitized world, their lack of exposure to even common microorganisms leading to immune system misfires. The result? Over reaction - allergies and asthma rather than a normally developed, properly functioning immune system.

Don’t scramble to the scrap yard…
Though results were deemed “interesting,” physicians at the University of California-San Francisco explained more research into lifestyle choices is necessary. Until a causal relationship is identified, pediatric allergy doctors urge patients and their families not to ditch the dishwasher yet.


* Published at www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/289832.php 'Fewer allergies among children in dishwasher-free homes"

Options in Treating Allergy-Triggered Asthma

Allergies and asthma are not the same thing but the two conditions are closely related. Allergens are the cause of an allergy attack. In some cases the allergens can take the attack one more step and asthma occurs. When this happens the condition is called allergic asthma.

There are many types of allergens; they can include dust, animal dander, mites, pollen, smoke, and mold, just to name a few. Exercise can exacerbate the condition. The condition can be so irritable that a working knowledge of allergy and asthma care can save you some grief. The following are a sampling of treatments your doctor might suggest.

Allergy-Triggered Asthma Treatment Options:

• Short-Acting     Bronchodilators (Rescue Inhalers). These are     quick-acting, a real Johnny-on-the-spot solution. It’s always a good idea     to pack one and the effects can last 4 to 6 hours. They function by     dilating, or opening up, the airways leading to your lungs.
• Long-acting     Bronchodilators. These are similar to the     short-acting models except that a dose is good for about 12 hours so 2     treatments per day are required. Your doctor will most likely also     prescribe inhaled steroids.
• Inhaled     Corticosteroids. These are a step up in     strength from the above-mentioned inhalers. A key benefit is that they can     assist in keeping your lungs functioning better following future asthma     attacks.
• Anti-Leukotriene     Medications. there are many pills that     inhibit leukotrienes, which are molecules that trigger inflammation in     your airways. Some pills are more popular than others, check with your     allergist specialist for which pill is best suited for your situation.
• Antibody     Treatments. These are considered a a     last-resort medication for asthma that hasn’t responded well to other     treatments.

Avoiding Allergens in the First Place:

As much as it is possible, it benefits the sufferer to avoid allergens so as to minimize the amount of allergy and asthma care needed. In the seasons where the amount of pollen is high, try to stay indoors as much as possible. Refer to the daily allergen count on your local weather website.

Be sure that your HVAC return air filter has a filtration rating that your condition warrants. Don’t smoke or allow smoking in your home. Try to avoid contact with pets during an asthma attack. Dander is not your friend.

For more information on allergy-triggered asthma and the treatment options that are best suited for your situation, contact your local clinic. Our allergy and asthma clinics are located for our patient’s convenience and we are bilingual English/Spanish.