Allergy Center - Whittier, CA
Whittier Asthma & Allergy Specialist Doctors for AllergyType of Physician: Asthma & Allergy Specialist What is a Asthma & Allergy Specialist? A certification by the Board of Allergy & Immunology; practitioners are expert in the evaluation, diagnosis and management of immune disorders. Specialty: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Common Name: Allergy Doctor Asthma & Allergy Specialist Doctors in Whittier * F L Harcourt MD Inc  Allergy Medical Group  Allergy Medical Group  Allergy Asthma Sinusitis Medical Clinic Inc  Drs Emil Burger & Roger Nguyen  Drs Emil Burger & Roger Nguyen  Pioneer Medical Group Long Beach  St Jude Heritage Medical Group Bastanchury  Charles E Groncy MD  Allergy & Asthma Clinics of Orange County  Galant & Lin MDs Inc  Stephen Wong MD  Allergy & Asthma Care Specialists  Allergy & Asthma Care Specialists  Chung Woong Kim MD  Timothy A Pham MD  Chittur Easwaran MD  Thomas J Tsou MD  Allergy & Asthma Care Center  Allergy & Asthma Care Center  Magan Medical Clinic  Robert M Plancey MD  James R Privitera MD  Talbert Medical Group  USC Internal Medicine  Harold C Ochsner MD  Marilyn Li MD  Frederick Ho MD  Frederick Ho MD  John H Smith Jr. MD  Kenneth T Kim MD  Kenneth T Kim MD  Kenneth T Kim MD  Harriman Jones Medical Group  Margaret L Soderberg MD  Donald Gjesdal MD  Pacific Allergy & Asthma Medical Associates  UCI Medical Center  Sean LeSon DO  LA Laser & Cosmetic Dermatology Center  Galant & Lin MDs Inc  CHOC Pediatric Subspecialty Faculty  CHOC Pediatric Subspecialty Faculty  CHOC Pediatric Subspecialty Faculty  Donald S Levy MD  Allergy Associates of Orange County  John T Phillipp MD  John T Phillipp MD  Peter J Parker MD  J Sue Johnson MD  Allergy & Asthma Specialists Medical Group  Jennifer J Baik MD  Comprehensive Pulmonary Medical Group  Allergy & Immunology Assoc  Children's Hospital Los Angeles Immunology  Children's Hospital Los Angeles Immunology  Children's Hospital Los Angeles Immunology  S Steve Gupta MD  Gateway Medical  Otto Liao MD  Arthur Turk MD  Kin C Wong MD APC  Alan R Green MD  Immunology Department  Jeremy E Kaslow MD  Bristol Pediatrics Inc  Ray Williams MD  Anaheim Fullerton Medical Group  Adams Allergy  Adams Allergy  Alan E Gorenberg MD  Douglas B Tamkin MD  Southbay Allergy & Asthma Associates  Southbay Allergy & Asthma Associates  Family Allergy Asthma Medical Center  Allan D Singer MD Inc  Allan D Singer MD Inc  Frank K Kwong MD  Cathie Ann Lippman MD  Howard Savitt MD  Ghodsi Madani MD  Robert Eitches MD & Maxine Baum MD  Robert Eitches MD & Maxine Baum MD  Allergy & Asthma Associates  John R Tencati MD  Iraj Naghdi MD  William N Sokol Jr. MD  Charles H Song MD  HealthCare Partners Medical Group Redondo Beach  A Brian Davis MD  Rhonda J Myers MD  Allergy & Asthma Associates  Stuart Z Epstein MD FAAP FACA  Amit I Patel MD  Sunil K Saini MD  Robert F Meth MD  Environmental Medical Center  Allergy Medical Group Inc  Allergy & Asthma Group Newport  Allergy Asthma & Sinus Center Whittier, CaliforniaUpcoming Local Events2012-05-20
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AllergyWhat does an allergy mean?An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is exaggerated because these foreign substances are usually seen by the body as harmless and no response occurs in non- allergic people. Allergic people's bodies recognize the foreign substance and one part of the immune system is turned on. Allergy-producing substances are called "allergens." Examples of allergens include pollens, dust mite, molds, danders, and foods. To understand the language of allergy it is important to remember that allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction in certain people. When an allergen comes in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in persons who are allergic to it. When you inappropriately react to allergens that are normally harmless to other people, you are having an allergic reaction and can be referred to as allergic or atopic. Therefore, people who are prone to allergies are said to be allergic or "atopic." Austrian pediatrician Clemens Pirquet (1874-1929) first used the term allergy. He referred to both immunity that was beneficial and to the harmful hypersensitivity as "allergy." The word allergy is derived from the Greek words "allos," meaning different or changed and "ergos," meaning work or action. Allergy roughly refers to an "altered reaction." The word allergy was first used in 1905 to describe the adverse reactions of children who were given repeated shots of horse serum to fight infection. The following year, the term allergy was proposed to explain this unexpected "changed reactivity." Allergy Fact Recommended Reading Related to AllergyAllergies: Allergies to MedicationsMany drugs can cause adverse side effects, and certain medicines can trigger allergic reactions. In an allergic reaction, the immune system mistakenly responds to a drug by creating an immune response against it. The immune system recognizes the drug as a foreign substance and the body produces certain chemicals, such as large amounts of histamine in an attempt to expel the drug from the body. What Are the Symptoms of Drug Allergy?Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. Even in people who aren't allergic, many drugs can cause irritation, such as an upset stomach. But during an allergic reaction, the release of histamine can cause symptoms like hives, skin rash, itchy skin or eyes, congestion, and swelling in the mouth and throat. A more severe reaction may include difficulty breathing, blueness of the skin, dizziness, fainting, anxiety, confusion, rapid pulse,... Other Related Allergy ArticlesEmergency Contact for Whittier
Nearby Whittier Hospitals *Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital Whittier Hospital Medical Center Metropolitan State Hospital Kindred Hospital La Mirada Beverly Hospital Norwalk Community Hospital Greater El Monte Community Hospital Coast Plaza Doctors Hospital Downey Regional Medical Center BHC Alhambra Hospital Kaiser Permanente Medical Center Baldwin Park Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center Vista Specialty Hospital of San Gabriel Valley College Hospital Cerritos City of Angels Medical Center Ingleside Campus Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center Citrus Valley Medical Center Queen of the Valley Campus Monterey Park Hospital Garfield Medical Center St Jude Medical Center Doctor's Hospital West Covina Kindred Hospital Brea La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Bellflower Medical Center East Los Angeles Doctors Hospital Los Angeles Community Hospital Promise Hospital of East Los Angeles Suburban Medical Center Campus San Gabriel Valley Medical Center Kindred Hospital San Gabriel Valley Alhambra Hospital Medical Center St Francis Medical Center Tri-City Regional Medical Center Lakewood Regional Medical Center Anaheim Regional Medical Center West Anaheim Medical Center Community Hospital of Huntington Park Methodist Hospital Anaheim General Hospital Promise Hospital of East Los Angeles Citrus Valley Medical Center Inter Community Campus City of Hope National Medical Center LAC + USC Medical Center LAC + USC Medical Center Women's & Children's Hospital USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center USC University Hospital White Memorial Medical Center Aurora Las Encinas Hospital Los Alamitos Medical Center Martin Luther King Jr MAC Service Center Placentia-Linda Hospital Aurora Charter Oak Hospital Western Medical Center Anaheim Huntington Hospital Pacific Alliance Medical Center Kaiser Mental Health Center Barlow Respiratory Hospital California Hospital Medical Center Orthopaedic Medical Center East Valley Hospital Medical Center Foothill Presbyterian Hospital Good Samaritan Hospital San Dimas Community Hospital Community Hospital of Long Beach Long Beach Memorial Medical Center Miller Children's Hospital VA Long Beach Healthcare System Gateways Hospital & Mental Health Center Pacific Hospital of Long Beach Kindred Hospital Westminster St Vincent Medical Center Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Medical Center University Of California Irvine Medical Center Garden Grove Hospital & Medical Center Shriners Hospitals for Children Los Angeles Temple Community Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Allergy by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
31 articles-
Eczema
- Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The other forms of eczema include: contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, Nummular eczema, Neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of eczema may vary from person to person and may depend on the type of eczema.
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Hives
- Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an allergic reaction. The allergy may be to food or medications, but usually the cause of the allergy (the allergen) is unknown.
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Sinus Infection
- Sinus infection (sinusitis) signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies.
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Pink Eye
- Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids and the membranes covering the whites of the eyes. These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergy-provoking agents, irritants, and toxic agents.
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Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip
- Allergic rhinitis symptoms include an itchy, runny nose, sneezing, itchy ears, eyes, and throat. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is usually caused by pollen in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of chronic rhinitis and is a year–round problem, often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, animal dander, and pollens that may exist at the time. Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post nasal drip are dependant upon the type of rhinitis condition.
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Poison Ivy
- Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that cause an itchy skin rash and skin inflamation when contacted directly. This poison can be treated with medications such as calamine lotion and cortisone drugs.
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Itching
- Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
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Atopic Dermatitis
- Eczema is a general term for many types dermatitis (skin inflammation). Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema. Other types of eczema include: contact eczema, allergic contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, nummular eczema, stasis dermatitis, and. dyshidrotic eczema.
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Food Allergy
- The most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itching, hives, eczema, asthma, lightheadedness, and anaphylaxis. Allergy skin tests, RAST, and ELISA tests may be used to diagnose a food allergy. Though dietary avoidance may be sufficient treatment for mild allergies, the use of an Epipen may be necessary for severe food allergies.
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Asthma
- Asthma is a common disorder in which chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchi) makes them swell, narrowing the airways. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough and wheezing.
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Colic in Babies
- Colic is crying or fussing that begins suddenly, lasting for a total of three hours a day and happening more than three days a week for about three weeks. Symptoms include the baby's face turning red, the belly is distended, the feet may be cold, the hands clenched, and the legs may alternate between being flexed or extended. Treatment may involve ruling out other causes of the fussing and the doctor prescribing anti-gas bubbly medicine.
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Eye Allergy
- Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics may cause eye allergies. Allergic eye conditions include allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Dry eye, tear-duct obstruction, and conjunctivitis due to infection are frequently confused with eye allergies. Eye allergies may be treated with topical antihistamines, decongestants, topical mast-cell stabilizers, topical antiinflammatory drugs, systemic medications, and allergy shots.
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Mold
- Mold exposure may cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to molds. Symptoms of mold allergy include sneezing, runny nose, wheezing, coughing, redness of the eyes, and rash. Prevent mold growth by keeping indoor humidity low, between 30%-50%, using bathroom fans when showering, repairing plumbing leaks quickly, and using an air conditioner during humid seasons.
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Sinus Headache
- Sinus headache is caused by a sinus infection or inflammation of the sinus cavities. The primary symptom of a sinus infection is pain and increasing pressure overlying the area and associated tenderness to the touch. Treatment of a sinus headache depends on the cause.
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Anaphylaxis
- Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that affects a number of different areas of the body at one time, and can be fatal. Causes of anaphylaxis can be food allergy, latex allergy, allergy to insect or but stings/bites, asthma, or other materials or conditions. Symptoms include flushing, itching, hives, anxiety, rapid or irregular pulse. Severe symptoms may be throat and tongue swelling, swallowing, and difficulty breathing. Some disorders appear similar to anaphylaxis such as fainting, panic attacks, blood clots in the lungs, heart attacks, and septic shock. If you think that you may be having an anaphylactic reaction, seek emergency care or call 911 immedately.
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Hoarseness
- Hoarseness (abnormal deep, harsh, raspy voice) is caused by a variety of conditions in which the larynx (voice box and vocal chords) are irritated or injured. Examples of causes of hoarseness include: laryngitis, straining the vocal cords by yelling or screaming, infections, GERD, allergies, and more. Treatment of hoarseness depends on the cause.
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Bee and Wasp Sting
- Bees, wasps, and fire ants are related insects that belong to the Hymenoptera order. There are thousands of species of wasps found throughout the world. Common wasps are yellow jackets and hornets. Types of bees include honey bees, the Africanized honey bee (killer bee), and the bumble bee. There are four types of reactions to a bee or wasp sting; 1) local reaction, 2) systemic allergic reaction, 3) toxic reaction, and 4) delayed reaction. Individuals who have a systemic or toxic reaction generally require immediate medical treatment to prevent anaphylactic reaction, and possibly death.
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Hay Fever
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
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Blepharitis
- Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Acne rosacea, Staphylococcal bacteria, allergies, sensitivities to makeup or contact lens solutions, head lice, or other conditions may cause blepharitis. Symptoms and signs include itchy eyelids, burning sensation in the eyes, crusting of the eyelids, light sensitivity, red, swollen eyelids, loss of eyelashes, and dandruff of the lashes and eyebrows. Proper eyelid hygiene and a regular cleaning routine controls blepharitis.
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Asthma in Children
- Asthma, the main cause of chronic illness in children, has signs and symptoms in children that include frequent coughing spells, low energy while playing, complaints of chest "hurting," wheezing while breathing, shortness of breath, and feelings of tiredness. Treatment will involve a doctor creating an asthma action plan which will describe the use of asthma medications and when to seek emergency care for the child.
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Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding
- It's important to know whether you will breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby prior to delivery, as the breasts' ability to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding. Breast milk is easily digested by babies and contains infection-fighting antibodies and cholesterol, which promotes brain growth. Formula-fed babies actually need to eat somewhat less often since formula is less readily digested by the baby than human milk. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of both forms of feeding.
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Cold, Flu, Allergy Treatments
- Before treating a cold, the flu, or allergies with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, it's important to know what's causing the symptoms, which symptoms one wishes to relieve, and the active ingredients in the OTC product. Taking products that only contain the medications needed for relieving your symptoms prevents ingestion of unnecessary medications and reduces the chances of side effects.
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Nasal Allergy Medications
- Nasal allergy medications are used to relieve itching, sneezing, and nasal swelling associated with allergies. Antihistamines, decongestants, and steroids are different types of nasal allergy medications. Possible side effects of these medications include dryness, stuffiness, burning, bleeding, nervousness, and palpitations.
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Bug Bites and Stings
- Bug bites and stings have been known to transmit insect-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Lyme disease. Though most reactions to insect bites and stings are mild, some reactions may be life-threatening. Preventing bug bites and stings with insect repellant, wearing the proper protective attire, and not wearing heavily scented perfumes when in grassy, wooded, and brushy areas is key.
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Allergy Treatment Begins At Home
- Avoiding allergy triggers at home is one of the best ways to prevent allergy symptoms. Controlling temperature, humidity, and ventilation are a few ways to allergy-proof the home. Cleaning, vacuuming, and using HEPA air filters also helps control allergies.
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Insect Sting Allergies
- The majority of stinging insects in the United States are from Bees, Yellow Jackets, Hornets, Wasps and Fire Ants. Severity of reactions to stings varies greatly. Avoidance and prompt treatment are essential. In selected cases, allergy injection therapy is highly effective.
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Adult-Onset Asthma
- Adult-onset asthma is asthma that is diagnosed in people over 20 years of age. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications or bronchodilators.
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Latex Allergy
- Latex allergy is a condition where the body reacts to latex, a natural product derived from the rubber tree. The reaction can either be delayed and cause a skin rash or immediate, which can lead to anaphylaxis. Avoiding latex is the most effective way to prevent an allergic reaction.
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Indoor Allergens
- Indoor allergens are substances that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Common sources of indoor allergens include dust mites, cockroaches, molds, pets, and plants. Avoiding indoor allergens is one way to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
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