Conditions & Treatments
At Bellingham Asthma, Allergy & Immunology Clinic we have the tools to diagnose a wide variety of related conditions as well as the experience in developing patient-specific treatment plans for people of all ages, from infants to older adults.
Our goal is the same as yours — to achieve your healthiest self. Come in and find relief!
May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.
Allergy season is upon us. Trees, weeds, grass, flowers, oh my!
Pollens are a major source of irritation and allergenic sensitization during spring and summer.
Here are some tips to minimize ongoing pollen exposure:
- Keep bedroom windows and doors closed as much as possible.
- Use air filtration devices, including HEPA-type filters, as well as air conditioners to reduce the pollen counts inside your home.
- Maintain one “pollen free” room if possible for individuals with severe seasonal pollinosis.
- Remove items of clothing, shower and wash hair before retiring for the evening. Wash the clothes before wearing them again.
- Remember: furry animals are travelling sources of pollen!
- The highest pollen exposure times are generally early morning and late afternoon. Use specific avoidance measures during those times. For example, consider the time of day when you want to go jogging through the woods.
- Sunny days = more pollen. Rainy days = less pollen. Windy days = pollen is everywhere.
Be aware that published pollen counts are not very useful. They usually reflect pollen counts far from your local environment, and often represent data from the prior day.
News from the Food Allergy corner:
Exciting news! The FDA has approved a new injectable therapy for peanut and other food allergies has arrived.
Food Allergy affects 10% of the US population. Allergic reactions to foods can be severe and life threating. This is especially true for peanut, seed, and tree nut allergies. Someone living with a food allergy must remain highly vigilant to all food ingredients and allergens, and always carry and be ready to use an epinephrine autoinjector (such as EpiPen) at any time they may be accidentally exposed.
However, there have been exciting developments for those living with food allergies over the past several years.
In a recent study, patients with food allergy to peanut, egg, milk, tree nut, or wheat were treated with Xolair for a period of 16 weeks. Patients were challenged with peanut prior to initiation of this double blind placebo controlled trial, and all demonstrated reactions (typically to about ½ of 1 peanut).
After treatment for 4 months, those treated with Xolair needed a higher amount of their food allergen to cause a reaction, while over 90% of those treated with placebo continued to react to the same amount as before. The peanut allergic kids could consume the equivalent of 2-3 peanuts without significant reaction or need for epinephrine injection or emergency care. This is known as “bite safe” and is sufficient for many patients and their families.
We think it will be potentially life changing for many patients and families!
Facts about Xolair(omalizumab):
Xolair primarily works by blocking IgE, the “allergic” antibody. It is a therapy is known as a “biologic” and requires injections 1-2x/ month. While Xolair (also known by its drug name omalizumab) is now available for food allergy treatment, it has been on the market for 2 decades for the treatment of asthma, nasal polyps, and hives. While there are some potential side effects, the long term safety profile for the drug is well established. As Board Certified Allergist-Immunologists, we have had extensive and ongoing experience with prescription and use of the medication here at Bellingham Asthma, Allergy & Immunology.
Our practice will begin providing Xolair treatment for appropriate patients with food allergies very shortly.
Additionally, we continue to offer oral desensitization to peanut and other foods. This has shown similar success to the Xolair treatment. In some patients we can achieve even greater levels of desensitization via an approach known as Oral Immunotherapy (OIT).
Please schedule an appointment today to learn more about this life changing treatment option.
We're Experts in Treating:
Environmental & Sinus Allergies
Pollen & Mold Allergy
Pet Allergy
Dust Mite Allergy
Respiratory (Breathing) Concerns
Asthma
Chronic Cough
Skin Concerns
Eczema & Contact Dermatitis
Hives & Swelling (Angioedema)
Urticaria
Food Allergy &
Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Penicillin & Medication Allergy
Stinging Insect Allergy
Immunologic Disorders & Recurrent Infections
Specialty Clinics
Specializing in care means not only providing a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, but also offering multiple options for treatment.
At Bellingham Asthma & Allergy, we offer specialty clinics for:
Testing and Diagnostics
Bellingham Asthma & Allergy offers a full array of modern diagnostic testing for further evaluation of your complaint.
Allergy Testing
Several types of allergy testing are available including skin prick testing for environmental, food, medication and stinging insect allergy.
Lung Function (Spirometry), FeNO (Airway Inflammation) Testing & Methacholine Challenges
For evaluation of the respiratory tract including lungs and airways, we offer lung function testing (spirometry) and airway inflammation evaluation (FeNO testing). We also offer methacholine challenge testing which can be helpful to rule in/out airway reactivity.
Rhinolaryngoscopy (Nasal Endoscopy)
For evaluation of sinus, nose and throat complaints including nasal obstruction, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps and throat hyperreactivity, we offer rhinolaryngoscopy performed by Dr. Elkayam.
Immune Evaluation
For individuals with repeated infections or other concerns of the immune system, Bellingham Asthma, Allergy & Immunology Clinic has access to state-of-the-art immunologic function laboratory testing.
Patch Testing
For those with eczema thought to be caused by contact to certain substances (allergic contact dermatitis), patch testing can be used to identify triggers to be avoided.
Oral Challenges
Oral challenges can be used to confirm or rule out allergy to foods or medications while monitored by nurses and providers in the clinic.
Treatments
Bellingham Asthma & Allergy offers an array of treatment options depending on your diagnosis.
Allergy Immunotherapy (Shots)
For over 100 years, allergy shots have provided long-lasting, and in many cases, medication-free relief from allergy and allergic asthma symptoms. At Bellingham Asthma & Allergy, we offer a comprehensive allergy shot program for environmental and venom allergies.
Specialty (Biologic) Medications
Advances in medicine have led to the development of highly targeted therapies known as "biologics" for certain conditions including asthma, chronic urticaria (hives), severe eczema and nasal polyps. These are offered at Bellingham Asthma & Allergy both by injection and IV infusion depending on the medication.
Food Desensitization / Oral Immunotherapy
Though there is no cure for food allergy, oral immunotherapy (OIT) offers the possibility of reducing the risk of a severe reaction should a patient accidentally eat their allergic food. Bellingham Asthma & Allergy offers the only OIT program in Whatcom county, offering desensitization to peanut and tree nuts.
Immunoglobulin Replacement (IVIG/SCIG)
For patients with impaired immune systems, it may be possible to replace or supplement one's IgG antibodies with that from donors. Bellingham Asthma & Allergy offers a comprehensive infusion center to infuse both intravenous (IVIG) and subcutaneous (SCIG) immunoglobulin.
