ALLERGY MANAGEMENT

The doctors at the Rontal Akervall Clinic and the Oakland Allergy and Asthma Center are specially trained to treat allergies and will work with you to determine the specific allergens that trigger reactions. Once identified, we will develop the best treatment plan and defense against your individual allergies. Identification of specific allergens may allow you to avoid them or eliminate them from your immediate environment. Treatment is aimed at desensitizing your immune system to minimize reactions and control symptoms if and when an allergic reactions flare. In almost all cases, allergies can be relieved completely or at least controlled so they are no longer a burden in your daily life.

Food Allergies

It is estimated up to 15 million Americans have food allergies. A reaction to food can range from a mild response (such as an itchy mouth or rash) to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially deadly reaction. Eight foods account for 90 percent of all reactions: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Milk, eggs, soy, and wheat allergies are often outgrown.

Food allergies may be evaluated in the office by skin testing or through blood studies. Once the culprit food is identified, learning how to avoid that food and treatment options can be discussed. Epinephrine (a medication that comes in an auto-injector) should always be available to use during a life-threatening food allergic reaction.  

Drug Allergies

Worldwide, adverse drug reactions may affect up to 10 percent of the population. Many medications can cause allergic reactions, which can occur immediately or several weeks after starting the drug. Symptoms may be as mild as the development of a rash or life-threatening to cause death. Drug skin testing and oral challenges to some medications can be done in the office.

Insect Sting Allergy

Stings from five insects – honeybees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants – are known to cause allergic reactions to the venom injected into the skin. Insect stings typically result in pain, swelling, or redness localized to the sting site. More severe reactions include swelling in areas away from the sting, hives, and anaphylaxis (a severe life-threatening allergic reaction that may impair breathing and cause a drop in blood pressure). Insect sting testing is provided in the office to determine which insects patients are allergic to and can then be effectively treated through allergy injections (desensitization).