Allergy & Immunology

Breathe better and live with less discomfort from allergies or immune system disorders. Get help from expert allergy and immunology specialists at an Avera location by you.

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Your body relies on its immune system to protect you from diseases. Sometimes certain microscopic substances in your environment trigger an unexpected reaction. Exposure to the substance can contribute to autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions like allergies and even certain types of cancer. If you’re experiencing a strong bodily response, you should see an allergy and immunology specialist for treatment as early as possible.

Types of Allergies & Autoimmune Diseases

Get the relief you’re longing for from discomfort due to allergies or illness. Board-certified physicians help you with an accurate evaluation of your symptoms and offer personalized treatment. They diagnose a wide range of allergic conditions or immunologic diseases.

Allergies

An allergy can develop due to hereditary, environmental and seasonal factors. An allergic reaction happens when your immune system identifies an allergen as harmful such as pet dander, pollen, insect stings, certain foods or medications. Common symptoms include:

Itchy eyes, nose, roof of mouth or throat
Rashes
Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing
Swelling
Watery or red eyes

Asthma

Asthma (bronchoconstriction) happens when chronically inflamed airways react to allergens or irritants, making it hard to breathe. A pulmonologist can help relieve symptoms of this long-term lung disease with treatment like medication and periodic use of an inhaler. Common symptoms include:

Chest pain or tightness
Cough
Shortness of breath
Wheezing or whistling

Hives

Hives (urticaria) that appear on your skin may result from an allergic reaction, viral infections, extreme temperatures, sun, water or exercise. Common symptoms include:

Red or swollen areas of skin
Itchiness
Irritation

Immunodeficiency

An immunodeficiency disorder occurs when the immune system has a diminished capacity to respond effectively to an infectious agent. Whether inherited or acquired, having this disorder means you’re more susceptible to illness since the job of the immune system is to keep you alive. You could have an immune system defect if yours fails to fend off unhealthy cells or attacks healthy cells as though they were foreign bodies (autoimmune response).

Allergy Basics

Find out what happens when you have an allergic reaction and how to reduce symptoms. View Health Library

Get Relief from Allergy & Immune Disorders

An unusual reaction to allergens, irritants or harmful substances can be treated with specialized care. Our goal is to improve symptoms associated with allergens, like pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites and bee venom, and immunodeficiency disorders.

Allergy Testing

During an allergy test, your physician will place a very small amount of an allergen into your skin to see how you react to things like environmental substances, food and bee stings.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the use of sterilized, hair-thin needles gently placed at strategic positions in the skin to stimulate your body’s natural healing process and relieve your allergy symptoms.

Allergy Medications

Pills like antihistamines or decongestants and sprays block or treat many common allergy symptoms periodically, seasonally, between shots or throughout the year.

Allergy Shots

A type of shot decreases symptoms of allergic rhinitis, asthma and bee stings. Allergy shots are given at recommended intervals determined by your doctor.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) decreases symptoms of rhinitis, asthma and bee sting allergies. A small amount of the allergen is dissolved in liquid or available in tablet form to be taken orally.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy treats immunodeficiency disorders. It works by replacing antibodies through infusion to help your body protect itself from bacteria, viruses and other infectious agents.