By: Jerald W. Koepke, MD
The providers of CAAC are committed to providing high quality care for all patients with allergy and asthma problems. We recently celebrated over “40 years of Excellence” caring for patients. We are a group of physicians, certified by the American Board of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, who specialize in the evaluation and treatment of allergic disorders. The term “Allergy” does not adequately describe what we do. We can evaluate and treat a variety of conditions which may not be directly related to allergy. Traditionally “allergists” have been thought of as caring for allergic rhinitis (hayfever), asthma, and skin problems such as eczema and hives. However, i n addition to these conditions we take care of a variety of other medical problems. Our practice evaluates problems not usually treated by allergists. These include problems such as:
• Upper airway problems which include not only allergic rhinitis (hayfever), but also chronic and recurrent sinus infections, sinus headaches, and nasal polys. Irritant and cold air related rhinitis problems are additional examples of conditions which we treat. We are committed to becoming a “sinus center of excellence” and employ sinus endoscopy to obtain sinus cultures to help direct therapy of difficult sinus infections.
• Chronic hoarseness, laryngitis, and vocal cord problems such as vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) are other types of upper airway problems that we see. In addition to asthma, we evaluate sports asthma, chronic cough problems and other breathing problems. Sports related respiratory problems are another focus of our practice. We can evaluate adult asthmatics to help determine if it is safe to SCUBA dive.
• Food allergy and intolerance are evaluated routinely to determine if foods are causing or contributing to a variety of patients’ symptoms. Along with skin testing, oral challenges can be done to document sensitivities or to determine whether a patient has outgrown their sensitivity.
• Medication allergy and intolerances are another focus of our practice. Skin testing with medication, oral challenges, and drug desensitization can be utilized as part of the evaluation and treatment of medication problems.
• Anaphylaxis, hives, and angioedema (swelling disorders) are also best evaluated by an allergist. Other skin disorders that we manage include eczema, contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy, metal allergy, and latex sensitivity. We also evaluate and treat a variety of other rashes.
• Insect allergy, particularly hymenoptera venom sensitivity (bee sting allergy), is also routinely evaluated in our practice. Effective therapy exists which can cure 95% of venom allergic individuals.
• As our formal title “Allergy and Immunology” implies we also are involved in the evaluation of immune deficiency problems. A strong immune system is important for health and wellness.
• Allergy problems can be treated in several ways. Avoidance measures, medication and immunotherapy or allergy injections can be an important part in the management of nasal allergies, asthma, and eczema. We also are using sublingual drop therapy in selected patients who might benefit from his type of treatment.
Our physicians have earned “premium designation” status from UNITED Health Care and CIGNA Insurance for quality and value. We are committed to working with your primary care and specialist physicians in a team approach to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. Please call with questions or to schedule an appointment or peruse our website for educational resources and submit a new patient appointment request.
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