Beebe’s allergy and immunology specialists treat patients who suffer from allergies of all kinds – from seasonal and environmental, to food, drug, and skin-related reactions. They care for patients of all ages. Specialists look to understand and address sensitive reactions and put the right treatment plan in place for each person.
Allergy and Immunological Testing
Beebe’s allergy and immunology specialists may recommend various forms of diagnostic testing based on patients’ symptoms.
Skin or Blood Testing
This includes testing for food, drugs, and environmental allergens. Results from skin tests are typically faster, and skin tests are often more accurate. People with certain conditions may not be able to take a skin test.
Blood Testing for Immunological Analysis
Blood testing for allergic or immunological analysis may be conducted in cases of recurring infections, or when the strength of the immune system is in question. These tests may also be performed to aid in the proper diagnosis of various medical conditions.
Allergy Challenges
Allergy challenges may be conducted under medical supervision to observe how patients react to something that is known or presumed to be an allergy inducer.
For example, oral food challenges are often done for children, which involves giving measured doses of food and watching for allergic reactions.
Allergy Treatment
Allergy testing is instrumental in determining the best plan of care of each patient, which may include:
- As needed therapies: Given if symptoms are mild or for episodic symptoms/reactions.
- Oral or topical/local medications: May be used as part of a treatment plan for eczema, environmental allergies, asthma, or hives/angioedema, to control symptoms or prevent disease progression.
- Allergy shots: Given in the right setting, this can be a long-term option to “outgrow” what you may be allergic to. Mainly used for environmental allergies, but newer advances are also providing treatment for peanut allergies.
- Biologic therapies: Often administered to modify the disease and reduce disease severity.
Immunology Services
Immunology services are provided for patients with weakened immune systems, who require ongoing medical intervention in order to manage chronic illness and infection.
What Makes Beebe Different
Beebe’s allergy and immunology team is led by Amulya Amirneni, MD. She sees patients on Beebe’s Abessinio Health Campus in Rehoboth.
Allergy treatment is typically prescribed through a collaborative effort involving Beebe’s allergy and immunology specialists, pulmonary specialists, dermatologic providers, gastroenterology team, and infection disease specialists – depending on the nature of the patient’s condition and their history of allergic reactions. Allergies can affect the body in many ways, which is why a multidisciplinary approach helps to identify the root cause and prevent symptoms.
Dr. Amirneni focuses on identifying underlying causes to treat and prevent symptoms, which in turn helps improve quality of life for patients.
For more information on allergy services and to request an appointment, call Beebe Allergy.
