Allergies

An estimated 50 million Americans have allergies, and those numbers are growing. In fact, as many as 30 percent of adults are affected by allergic rhinitis, or inflammation of the nasal airways, commonly referred to as hay fever.

Despite these high numbers, allergy testing is not performed often enough for all age groups. The result: People aren't getting symptom relief because they aren't getting the right treatment. For children, this can lead to years of discomfort.

Plant-based respiratory allergies are also believed to be on the rise because ragweed, fungal spores, and poison ivy are thriving due to rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. And food allergies, which affect nearly 11 million people in the U.S. and 6 percent of those younger than three, appear to be an increasing problem because people are ingesting more processed foods at younger ages.

With some food allergies, there's a good chance children will outgrow them. That is not the case for those involving peanuts, nuts and shellfish. Environmental allergies, however, get worse with age.

Asthma

Asthma, too, is a growing problem, affecting 16 million adults and 7 million children in the United States alone. In fact, asthma is the third most common cause for children to be hospitalized. In addition, asthma creates complications that lead to other issues. For example, 70 percent of asthmatics have other allergies as well. 

Primary Immune Deficiencies

Frequent infections like pneumonia, sinusitis, or ear infections can be caused by an immune deficiency, a majority of which can be controlled with the proper diagnosis, medications and infusions.

Make an Appointment

The first step in treating any of the above issues is to identify them through testing. Make an appointment at the MetroHealth Alergy & Immunology Clinic today by calling 216-778-2213.