Allergy, Asthma, Sinus and Immunology Center

The symptoms of allergy and asthma include itchy, swollen and watery eyes; runny, stuffy, and itchy nose; coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. Many people respond to allergic disease in less obvious ways and may not realize that allergies are the cause of chronic cough, frequent respiratory and ear infections, sinus symptoms, sinus headaches, migraines, dizziness, loss of smell and taste, hearing loss, hives, eczema, other skin rashes, sores in the mouth and tongue, diarrhea, nausea & vomiting. Allergy to medications and insects can be severe at times.

Yes, this happens frequently. Fatigue is usually the result of difficult or unnatural breathing, lack of sleep because of abnormal breathing, or because of other allergy symptoms. Fatigue can also be caused by some of the sedating allergy medications used to control allergy symptoms. We see mouth breathing, snoring, and a constant runny or stuffy nose in allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Disturbing night cough and shortness of breath are common asthma symptoms to deprive asthmatics of sleep. Impaired breathing results in impaired night sleep and both can result in fatigue, learning disabilities, poor quality of life, hypertension, irregular heartbeats, coronary artery disease, obesity, and diabetes. You should be ahead of these complications by early diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases.

Accurate diagnosis is the key to effective treatment. We obtain the most complete and accurate patient history available; evaluate the patient's lifestyle and environment, specific physical examination is done, skin tests performed if indicated, selected blood tests, and evaluation of lung function also done if indicated. This leads to a correct diagnosis, rapid treatment, and fast relief. Although there is no cure for allergic diseases, almost complete long-term control of symptoms is achievable through environmental and food control, special avoidance programs, certain medications, and by desensitization allergy shots (immunotherapy). The latter form of treatment carries approximately an 85% success rate.

Your best approach, which frequently results in long-term and maybe a lifetime improvement of allergic diseases, is to have a thorough evaluation by an allergist followed by an accurate diagnosis which leads to accurate and hence effective treatment. Both physicians and patients concomitantly must define the objectives of the allergy treatment from the first day of the allergy evaluation. We consider it necessary to obtain a comprehensive analysis of the patient’s history followed by a detailed physical examination of the body systems involved and getting pertinent laboratory and clinical tests including allergy skin testing and lung function evaluation. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, management of allergic diseases usually carries approximately an 85% chance of success.

If you can’t get rid of your pet, allergy desensitization (immunotherapy) should help. It is exceptionally effective in treating allergies to cats. Keeping the pet will not work without desensitization. Dog or cat hair is not the major allergen; it is the dried urine, saliva, and dead cells from the pet skin (dander), which permeate the whole house, office, or car and even the clothes and body of individuals exposed to the pets. Direct exposure to the pet and indirect exposure through another person who has the pet should be avoided.

Allergy affects approximately 50 million people in the US and can cause allergic rhinitis(Hay Fever), asthma, eczema, hives, allergy to medications, and stinging insects. Some of these diseases can be serious and even fatal. More than 36 million people in the US have seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) with approximately 17 million doctors office visits yearly. The estimated overall cost of allergic rhinitis in the US is close to $8 billion. Absenteeism and reduced productivity due to allergies cost U.S. companies more than $350 million a year. Nasal allergy symptoms are very uncomfortable and affect the lifestyle of patients and can lead to more serious complications such as asthma and chronic sinus disease.

These are common allergy symptoms. Allergy causes the nose to swell and secret excess mucus, resulting in a stuffy and runny nose and postnasal drip, which initiates the cough to clear your throat. Cough can also be from the lungs if the nose allergy advances to the chest causing asthma, which happens in 85% of the cases of nasal allergy. More symptoms are an itchy nose, nosebleeds, and loss of smell and taste, frequent sinus & ear infections, headaches, and eye irritation. Allergy treatment should be beneficial to you.

Allergy is a common cause of loss of smell and taste. When allergy affects the nose and sinuses, the inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages affect the smell mechanism. Usually, this can be reversible if the allergy is diagnosed and adequately treated early. Loss of smell can also be the result of neurological damage which is usually irreversible. You should seek the correct diagnosis of what you are allergic to and implement an appropriate and aggressive treatment program then the chance to regain your smell is more favorable. You can call or write us for more advice.

Chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the nasal sinuses), affects more than 35 million Americans each year. Approximately 60% of allergy patients develop chronic sinusitis. People suffering from sinusitis miss an average of four days of work each year. There are more than 20 million office visits to primary care physicians for sinusitis annually. The yearly cost of caring for sinusitis in the US is approximately $8 billion. There is a serious association between sinusitis and asthma. Approximately 60% of asthma patients have chronic sinusitis and their asthma is triggered by the sinusitis.

Nose sprays are commonly used for allergic diseases of the nose and sinuses. Many patients do not use them correctly, which decreases the benefit of this useful form of treatment. One should shake the canister, remove the cover, and prime it by pumping 2-3 times before the first time use. Blow your nose to clear the passage, and keep your head in a normal position, but do not tilt it back. Insert the tip in one nostril at a time and activate the sprayer pointing its tip away from the septum toward the ear lobule on the same side. Inhale or gently sniff as you spray the medicine.

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, which can be caused by allergy or other causes, such as microbial infections. Symptoms include runny nose, itchy nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes and ears and watery eyes and sneezing. Allergic rhinitis may be only seasonal or all year (perennial). Sinusitis is inflammation of the nasal sinuses which gives pain behind the eyes and around the nose, long-lasting congestion, colored nasal discharge, postnasal drip, pressure in the face, headache and sometimes fever or chronic cough. Allergies predispose you to sinusitis which happens frequently.

The center offers diagnosis and treatment for allergies, asthma, sinus infections, food allergies, and immunologic problems. Services include allergy testing, pulmonary function testing, and personalized care.

Dr. Shawky A. Hassan, M.D., Ph.D., is the board-certified allergist and immunologist leading the center, with extensive education and experience in allergy and immunology.

Symptoms include itchy, swollen, and watery eyes; runny or stuffy nose; coughing; shortness of breath; wheezing; chest tightness; and skin reactions like eczema and hives.

Fatigue often results from breathing difficulties, poor sleep caused by symptoms like snoring and coughing, and sometimes from sedating allergy medications.

Treatments include environmental and food control, medications, and desensitization allergy shots (immunotherapy) with about an 85% success rate for long-term symptom control.

Yes, the center has wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms to accommodate patients with mobility needs.

The center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on weekends. Appointments are required for visits.

The center provides services in English and Spanish to accommodate diverse patients.

Yes, nearby medical facilities include Naples Community Hospital and NCH Baker Hospital-Emergency Center. Specialists near the center include dermatologists like Bonnie Zonas MD, cardiologists like Levine Heart & Wellness, and nephrologists such as Collier Nephrology, Hypertension & Internal Medicine Specialists.

Nearby amenities include Lakeview Pharmacy for medication needs, Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center for skincare, and the Garden of Hope and Courage botanical garden for relaxation before or after appointments.