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Eye Allergy Center - Spokane Valley, WA

Spokane Valley Asthma & Allergy Specialist Doctors for Eye Allergy

Type 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 Spokane Valley *

Spokane Allergy & Asthma Clinic
Kerry J Drain
508 W 6th Ave
STE 700
Spokane, WA 99204
(509) 747-1624

Spokane Allergy & Asthma Clinic
Steven M Kernerman
508 W 6th Ave
STE 700
Spokane, WA 99204
(509) 747-1624

Spokane Allergy & Asthma Clinic
Michael J Kraemer
508 W 6th Ave
STE 700
Spokane, WA 99204
(509) 747-1624

Marycliff Allergy Specialists
Richard G Gower
823 W 7th Ave
Spokane, WA 99204
(509) 838-3655

Allergy & Asthma TriState Clinic
Lawrence M Garges
1207 Evergreen Ct
Clarkston, WA 99403
(509) 751-0600

Spokane Valley, Washington

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Eye Allergy

Eye allergy introduction

The eyes are the windows to the soul because they reflect our state of mind. This certainly can't be true if our eyes are red, swollen, watery, and itchy from an allergic reaction. Severe allergic eye symptoms can be very distressing and are a common reason for visits to the allergist, ophthalmologist, and even the emergency room. Occasionally, severe eye allergies cause serious damage that can threaten eyesight.

Eye allergies usually are associated with other allergic conditions, particularly hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and atopic eczema (dermatitis). The causes of eye allergies are similar to those of allergic asthma and hay fever. Medications and cosmetics can play a significant role in causing eye allergies. Reactions to eye irritants and other eye conditions (for example, infections such as pinkeye) are often confused with eye allergy.

What is the basic anatomy of the outer eye?

Eye allergies mainly involve the conjunctiva, which is the tissue lining (mucus membrane) that covers the white surface of the eyeball and the inner folds of the eyelids. The conjunctiva is a barrier structure that is exposed to the environment and the many different allergens (substances that stimulate an allergic response) that become airborne. It is rich in blood vessels and contains more mast cells (histamine-releasing cells) than the lungs.

The lacrimal (tear) glands are located in the upper and outer portions of the eye. They are responsible for producing the watery component of tears, which keeps the eye moist and washes away irritants. The tears also contain important components of the immune defense such as immunoglobulin (antibodies), lymphocytes (specialized white blood cells), and enzymes.

The cornea is the transparent sheath in front of the lens of the eye. The cornea has no blood vessels and very little immune activity.

Why are the eyes ...

Recommended Reading Related to Eye Allergy

Itching »

Itching (itch) facts

  • The medical term for itching is pruritus.
  • Infections, bites and stings, infestations, chronic diseases, sun exposure, and dry skin are among the numerous causes of itching.
  • Anti-itch creams and lotions containing camphor, menthol, phenol, pramoxine (Caladryl, Tronolane), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or benzocaine can bring relief.
  • Some cases of itching will respond to corticosteroid medications.
  • It is best to avoid scratching and itch when possible to avoid worsening of the condition and disruption of the skin that could lead to bacterial infection.
  • If itching persists with time or worsens, or is associated with skin lesions, consulting a health-care practitioner is advisable.

What is an itch?

Itch is an irritation in the skin that elicits an urge to scratch. Itches are a common problem and can be localized (limited to one area of the body) or gen...

Emergency Contact for Spokane Valley

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Spokane Valley Hospitals *

Valley Hospital & Medical Center
12606 E Mission Ave
Spokane Valley, WA 99216
(509)924-6650

St Lukes Rehabilitation Institute
711 S Cowley St
Spokane, WA 99202
(509)838-4771

Sacred Heart Medical Center
101 W 8th Ave
Spokane, WA 99204
(509)474-3131

Deaconess Medical Center
800 W Fifth Ave
Spokane, WA 99204
(509)458-5800

Holy Family Hospital
5633 N Lidgerwood St
Spokane, WA 99208
(509)482-0111

Shriners Hospital Spokane
911 W 5th Ave
Spokane, WA 99204
(509)455-7844

Spokane VA Medical Center
4815 N Assembly St
Spokane, WA 99205
(509)434-7000

Kootenai Medical Center
2003 Lincoln Way
Coeur D Alene, ID 83814
(208)666-2000

Eastern State Hospital
850 Maple St
Medical Lake, WA 99022
(509)299-3121

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