Allergy & Immunology Care
MetroHealth's Allergy and Immunology Clinic helps diagnose and treat allergy and asthma symptoms
Our Team
Our physicians are board-certified or board-eligible, with backgrounds in internal medicine, pediatrics or both. They've received specialized training in allergy treatment and immune system disorders, and provide expert care with open communication. After every appointment with our team, you'll know more about what's causing your symptoms and what you can do to feel better.
MetroHealth’s registered nurses answer calls, perform tests and communicate with our patients. Well-educated and routinely evaluated, their role in your care makes us different from other allergy clinics, where only a medical assistant might manage your care.
Make an Appointment
To make an appointment, please call 216-778-2213. Referrals are not required.
Allergy Symptoms
Allergy symptoms such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or allergy-induced asthma affect your health and quality of life. People come to our clinic with a variety of symptoms, including:
- dermatitis
- runny nose
- sneezing
- itchy eyes, mouth or skin
- hives
- food or drug allergies
- recurring sinusitis
Comprehensive Allergy Testing
Allergy and asthma symptoms can mimic the symptoms associated with other conditions, including colds and some infections. The triggers that set off allergy symptoms in one person leave another person unaffected. That's why allergy testing is so important. The most common allergy tests are skin pricks and intradermal tests.
Skin Prick (Epicutaneous) Test: a drop of solution is placed on the skin. The solution contains an allergen.
Intradermal Test: a small amount of an allergen is injected into the skin.
These tests help determine your allergies and their severity. The Allergy and Immunology Clinic also performs tests for asthma and immune deficiencies. We use a breathing test called spirometry to diagnose asthma. To check for immune deficiencies, we perform a series of blood and skin tests. These help us monitor and evaluate your health.
MetroHealth allergists have access to advanced diagnostic tools. Our allergists and immunologists work closely with doctors in other departments, and can refer you to additional specialists as needed.
Allergy Treatment Options
Many people with allergies benefit from medications that treat the symptoms of an allergy, not the underlying cause. Allergen Immunotherapy (or "allergy shots") can decrease allergic reactions over time, treating the immune system itself.
We also teach you how to:
- Reduce your exposure to common indoor allergens
- Manage outdoor activities, to reduce exposure to pollens
- Amend your diet, if food allergies are a problem
- Identify serious symptoms, so you can get the right help at the right time
Infusion Therapy
The Infusion Center administers injectable medications, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and blood transfusions. For people with primary immune deficiency disorders, infusions may be part of the treatment plan. We also provide therapies for cancer, arthritis and hematology disorders, as well as anemia, osteoporosis and Crohn's disease.
We offer private infusion bays that have recliners, private television sets and dimmable lights. Keeping you relaxed and comfortable during therapy is important to us.
Allergy Shots
Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, allows your body to get used to the allergens that cause symptoms of hay fever, asthma or allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. Once you've had allergy testing, your allergist will know exactly what's causing your symptoms. With this information, your physician prescribes personalized immunotherapy based on your symptoms, medical history and physical exam.
Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, allows your body to get used to the allergens that cause symptoms of hay fever, asthma or allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. Once you've had allergy testing, your allergist will know exactly what's causing your symptoms. With this information, your physician prescribes personalized immunotherapy based on your symptoms, medical history and physical exam.
How Immunotherapy Works
Immunotherapy works like a vaccine. Each shot contains a small amount of the allergens that are causing your symptoms. The shots start at a low dosage and increase with time. The goal is to get your body to tolerate the allergen. A higher tolerance means fewer symptoms.
Allergy shots are effective over time, as they require three to six months for symptoms to improve, and some people need shots for longer to get the maximum benefit. Your doctor works with you and monitors your progress. We develop an individualized plan and meet with you periodically to review your treatment. If your allergic symptoms are constant, you might need to see us every six to 12 months. Patients who are doing well can have treatment reviews once a year.
After your shot, we ask that you stay in our office for 20 to 30 minutes to ensure that there are no reactions. On the off chance of a reaction, we ease your discomfort and adjust your dose so you have a smaller risk of reaction in the future.
Common Questions about Allergy Shots
Yes. We do this for your safety. Don't come for your shot if you don't have time to wait. Come another day when you have time.
If you aren't feeling well, call us before you come in. We might want to postpone your shot.
First things first: Avoid allergens if you can. Then, take medications as directed by your doctor.
Some things—like mold—can't be avoided. But it's always best to avoid allergens when you can.
Yes, but you might need smaller doses when your immunotherapy starts to work. Talk to your doctor before reducing or stopping any medications.
We recommend getting tested every three to five years. If you have new problems, get tested sooner.
Yes. Some medications don't mix well with immunotherapy, especially beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors. Talk to your doctor or nurse.
Visit the allergist to review your allergy treatment plan together. Allergy shots won't cause or prevent allergies in your baby, and we won't increase your dose during pregnancy. However, immunotherapy during pregnancy might mean you need less of other medications. This is a benefit for moms trying to keep medications at a minimum.
You can skip shots if you're gone less than three weeks. If you're going to be gone longer, talk to your nurse. We'll help you come up with a plan.
No. You might be able to space your shots further apart. The amount of allergen in your maintenance dose might increase during peak pollen and mold seasons. Let us know what's working—and what isn't—and we'll tweak your treatment plan as needed.
