Allergy and Asthma Services

Find relief from your allergy symptoms and receive first-class medical care at Redding Allergy and Asthma Center. We provide specialized care to patients of all ages in a friendly environment and comfortable setting. You will always be seen by a board-certified allergy physician who will take the time to answer your questions.

For comprehensive information on allergies and asthma, visit the ACAAI's patient education website. The site provides trusted resources on a variety of topics, including allergy diagnosis, allergy tests, allergy shots, allergy medication,and allergy specialist care.

To learn more about our allergy and asthma medical services and procedures, view the following:

  • ALLERGY TESTING- We use small, plastic devices with a small amount of allergen that barely prick the surface of the skin. With this type of testing, we can diagnose the specific allergen that causes your reaction. This is the most accurate and inexpensive type of allergy testing available.
  • ALLERGY TREATMENT- Your treatment plans may include environmental, medical, and immunotherapeutic interventions. We focus on patient education and will take the time to answer your questions. 
  • IMMUNE THERAPY ("ALLERGY SHOTS") – Immune therapy is the most efficient and effective treatment for people with severe allergies.  It modifies the body's response to allergens by eliminating the allergic response.  This means that you can control your allergies without medications.  The ingredients in immune therapy come from natural sources.  Results can be quickly achieved and last for years after the treatment is stopped.  We offer accelerated immunotherapy schedules which will give you faster relief than traditional methods.     
  • SPIROMETRY- If there is any concern that you or your child has asthma, then we will perform spirometry testing.  A spirometer is a hand-held device that tests lung function.  According to national guidelines, people with asthma should have spirometry testing at least twice per year.  
  • PATCH TESTING-  Do you think that cosmetics, jewelry, or any other substances irritate your skin?  If so, we can identify the cause through patch testing.  Small patches are taped to your back, and the patches are removed after two days. Your skin is then examined in the office for signs of inflammation.   

WE OFFER EVALUATION AND TREATMENT OF:

  • NASAL ALLERGIES AND SINUSITIS- If you have frequent nasal congestion (stuffiness), runny nose, itchy nose, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing, you probably have allergies. Allergies are triggered by substances called allergens. Allergens are found in the outdoors (trees, grass, weeds, and molds) and indoors (cats, dogs, dust mites, molds). Your symptoms can be controlled or eliminated by immune therapy (allergy shots) and/or medications.  Controlling allergy symptoms leads to better sleep, increased school and work performance, and improved overall quality of life.  
  • ASTHMA-  We can determine whether or not you have asthma, and also identify what triggers your asthma.  You should breathe easily all of the time. If you are using a “rescue” inhaler more than twice per week, your asthma is not controlled.  And, treating your allergies is the first step you can take to controlling your asthma.  Find out how we can help you breathe easier. 
  • CONTACT DERMATITIS-  Contact dermatitis is irritation of the skin caused by a substance that contacts your skin.  Symptoms and signs include itching, burning, redness, small blister formation, and skin thickening.  We use patch testing to determine the specific substance that irritates your skin.  Ingredients of cosmetics and nickel in jewelry are the most common causes of contact dermatitis. 
  • ANAPHYLAXIS- Is a sudden, life-threatening reaction resulting from exposure to a substance to which you are allergic. The most common causes of anaphylaxis are foods, stinging insect venom, and drugs. Some people may experience severe episodes of wheezing, hives, and swelling without an obvious cause. If you have EVER experienced anaphylaxis, you should be evaluated by a physician who is board-certified in allergy and immunology. 
  • INSECT STING ALLERGY- If you think you have ever had an allergic reaction to an insect sting, you should be evaluated for insect skin allergy. Signs of a severe reaction include hives, shortness of breath, wheezing, throat swelling, facial/lip swelling, and redness or itching of the skin in areas separate from the site of the sting.  If you have experienced any of these, you could be at risk for anaphylaxis.  Insect sting allergy causes at least 40 deaths in the United States every year.  While food allergy receives more attention in the media, insect sting allergy is actually much more dangerous.  Allergic reactions to stinging insects are usually more severe than those to foods.  And, it is nearly impossible to avoid exposure to stinging insects.  The most common insects in America that cause severe allergic reactions are fire ants, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, and bees.  Fire ants have invaded Atlanta and are now commonly found on lawns, sidewalks, and parking lots.  We can quickly cure your insect sting allergy by treating you with immune therapy (allergy shots).  This potentially life-saving treatment should not be delayed.  
  • FOOD ALLERGY- Symptoms of food allergy are hives, skin redness and itching, facial or oral swelling, throat swelling, shortness-of-breath, and wheezing that occur shortly after eating.  We can determine whether or not you have a food allergy based on a combination of a detailed patient interview and allergy testing. And, we will help you manage the food allergy with dietary counseling, treatment recommendations, and re-evaluations to determine if you or your child is still allergic. Board-certified allergists are the only physicians with specialized training in food allergy. 
  • HIVES- Are a sudden outbreak of itchy, pale red bumps or patches (wheals) that can appear anywhere on the body. Hives may occur once in a lifetime, or they may be frequent and chronic. Many patients with hives also have swelling. We can manage your disease by identifying triggers, prescribing appropriate medications, and minimizing outbreaks. 
  • ECZEMA- Eczema, also known as “atopic dermatitis” is a disorder that causes dry, scaly, itchy areas of skin. Frequently, people with eczema also have allergies and asthma. Treatment includes the regular application of skin moisturizers and topical medicines and allergen avoidance. 
  • DRUG ALLERGY- If you or your physician think that you are allergic to a drug and that you need this specific drug for treatment, you should be evaluated by a board-certified allergist. 
  • IMMUNE DEFICIENCY EVALUATION AND TREATMENT- If you or your child have had severe or multiple infections involving the lungs, sinuses, skin, bones, you may have an immune deficiency. As board-certified immunology physicians, we have the proper training and expertise to diagnose and manage immune deficiencies.  
  • NASAL POLYPS AND SINUS DISEASE- Nasal polyps are growths in the nasal cavity and sinuses that can cause congestion and impair your sense of smell.  Frequently, nasal polyps recur after surgery that is undertaken to remove them.  And, many people with polyps have a distinct disease called "Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease."  We can succesfully treat your polyps and sinus disease to decrease your congestion and help you breathe easier.  Do not undergo multiple surgeries unless you have tried non-surgical treatment first.  
  • EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS- If you have eosinophilic esophagitis, you may also have food allergies. We can evaluate you for food allergy and investigate whether or not certain foods are making your symptoms worse.

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