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| Overview of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Center | |
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During the first clinic visit, you or your child will be seen by an allergist who will record a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam. Allergy tests may be done either by the skin method (a series of small skin pricks) or by a special blood test. If necessary, a breathing test to measure lung capacity and function will be performed.
After the appointment, examination and test results are available, we will discuss a detailed plan of treatment with you. We make every effort to complete this process at the first visit, which may take from one to two hours, depending on your health problem.
Who will I see?
You will be seen by a board-certified allergist or a nurse practitioner. Our allergists are on the faculty of The Medical College of Wisconsin.
Children's Hospital also is a teaching hospital and many of our specialists train other doctors to care for kids. In addition to your child's main doctor, you may see the following:
- Medical students who are training to be doctors.
- Residents who are doctors specializing in pediatrics.
- Fellows have completed a residency and are training in another specialty, like allergy.
Your or your child's main doctor supervises the care they provide.
Testing
Testing services used to understand allergy problems include:
- Skin testing for allergies to environmental substances, foods, drugs or stinging insects.
- Measuring lung function using breathing tests.
- Specially controlled tests to look for food or drug allergies.
Treatment
- Medical management. The focus of a treatment plan is to prevent symptoms and help ensure that a patient's quality of life improves. Medication appropriate to the allergic disease is prescribed. In the case of asthma, specialists work with the patient to develop a written asthma management plan.
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots). This form of treatment generally is recommended for patients with allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, and stinging insect allergies.
- Education. Specialists review the triggers of allergic reactions and appropriate uses of medication.
- Environment. A review of the home environment is conducted, including opportunities for modification.
- Coordinated care. Specialists work with the patient's primary doctor to coordinate care, manage complex patients and ensure the best treatment results.