Allergy and Immunology

Allergy and Immunology

The Division of Allergy and Immunology at Montefiore offers patients the expertise of our allergists available at one of our three sites. The Division specializes in allergic and immunologic conditions, including:

• Allergic rhinitis
• Asthma
• Atopic dermatitis or eczema
• Urticaria or hives  
• Sinusitis
• Very rare immune deficiencies and immunological problems

We provide our patients with expert diagnoses and aggressive treatment approaches. We identify and care for the cause of their allergies, rather than simply treating the symptoms. Our experts regularly appear on year-end lists of the best physicians in the New York City metropolitan area, and patients in need of specialized care are often referred to us by their primary care physicians. 

Thorough, Careful Diagnosis
When patients are first referred to us, we administer an expert diagnosis over the course of several visits. Our highly trained nurses begin by spending as long as two hours with patients on their initial visit, in order to gain a thorough medical overview. These examinations often include the following:

• Extensive allergy history, including descriptions of home and work environments
• Dietary history
• Screening allergy skin tests 
• Physical examination
• Diagnostic testing

When necessary, we administer additional allergy skin tests until we feel confident that we have gotten to the root of a patient's condition. Once a patient has been diagnosed, we offer thorough follow-up treatment and complete management of all aspects of his or her care.

Unique, Assertive Care Management
Following diagnosis, we make use of three common treatment methods that go beyond symptoms and minimize exposure to common triggers of allergies:

• Environment controls: The first line of therapy is identifying the source of each patient's allergies, including feather pillows, pets and mold. Then, we separate patients from any possible causes. This may also include eradicating triggers that touch their skin, like rubber gloves and chemicals. When patients appear to be allergic to dietary items, we advise them on special allergy elimination diets.
• Drug therapy: Most patients receive various types of medications that alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
• Allergy shots: Patients who cannot control their environments, or cannot tolerate medications, receive shots. This prolonged course of therapy will minimize the triggers of most allergies and make the patients feel much better. Most patients receive weekly shots for four to five months, and then monthly injections for another two years. Two nurses are devoted to administering the shots. Evening hours are available to ensure convenient scheduling for patients.

Although allergies result from a variety of causes, we are able to put together a highly beneficial course of treatment for patients. Through working collaboratively with the hospital's Divisions of Dermatology and Pulmonary Medicine, we can evaluate the triggers of allergies from three different disciplines.

Commitment to Ongoing Research
Our dedication to ongoing research includes our participation in a study investigating whether mercury in the environment may cause people to be more prone to allergies. We are currently conducting clinical trials on new asthma medications and allergy drugs, and research into atopic dermatitis (eczema), sinusitis and urticaria (hives). In addition, we have developed an innovative care management program for chronic urticaria, which works much better than the standard method of heavily medicating patients and waiting for symptoms to disappear.

© 2012 Montefiore Medical Center