Also referred to as immunotherapy, allergy shots are injections that are given over a period of time to help the body’s immune system develop a tolerance for specific allergens. The shots themselves contain a very small amount of the allergen to help the body learn to adjust, reducing or even eliminating allergic reactions to that allergen. As time progresses, the amount of allergen in the injection solution will be gradually increased to help the body develop a tolerance.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition that causes symptoms like dry, scaly, reddish or itchy skin, as well as scaly patches that may weep or crust over, especially if scratched. Scratching can also cause the skin in the affected area to bleed and crack, increasing the risk of infection. The cause of eczema is not known, but a faulty or overactive immune system reaction is thought to play a major role. The condition occurs most commonly among children and often persists throughout adulthood. It is not contagious.

Hives, or urticaria, usually occur as part of an allergic reaction that causes a substance called histamine to be released as part of your body’s natural immune response. Histamine, in turn, causes welts or bumps to appear on the skin’s surface, or sometimes, in the mouth and throat.

Sinusitis and rhinosinusitis are different names for the same condition – a sinus infection that develops when the channels that drain the sinuses become blocked, preventing mucus from draining and allowing bacteria to build up. Inside the warm sinuses, bacteria find the ideal environment to multiply, and because the sinuses aren’t draining the way they should, infections and inflammation can become chronic.

A chronic cough is considered to be a cough that lasts eight or more weeks in adults and four weeks in children. A very severe chronic cough can disrupt sleep, cause lightheadedness, headache and vomiting, and in some cases, it may even result in broken ribs.

Dr. Patel has extensive experience treating asthma in patients from Hicksville, Brentwood, Floral Park, Oceanside, Murray Hill, and Babylon, NY, as well as the greater Long Island and New York City areas, using state-of-the-art techniques for the most accurate diagnosis and symptom management.

Dr. Patel has extensive experience treating allergies in patients throughout the Greater New York metro area, including patients from Hicksville, Brentwood, Floral Park, Oceanside, Babylon, and Glen Oaks