Asthma, Allergy & Sinus Clinic

• Allergic eye disorders
• Allergic rhinitis
• Angioedema
• Anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions
• Atopic dermatitis/eczema
• Bronchial asthma
• Chronic non-allergic rhinitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Drug and food allergies
• Immunodeficiency
• Insect allergy
• Latex allergy
• Sinusitis
• Urticaria

Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs and causes breathing problems. It is the most common long-term disease of children. It causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. It is with you all the time, but you may have asthma attacks only when something bothers your lungs.

What happens during an asthma attack?

People with asthma have sudden attacks when the airways in their lungs get narrower and breathing becomes more difficult. Airways are the paths that carry air to the lungs. During an attack, the sides of the airways in your lungs become inflamed and swollen. Muscles around the airways tighten, and less air passes in and out of the lungs. Excess mucus forms in the airways, clogging them even more. The attack, also called an episode, can include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and trouble breathing.

If you or a loved one have symptoms of asthma or asthma attacks, we can help.

Asthma symptoms

Asthma symptoms are much like other respiratory problems such as emphysema, bronchitis and lower respiratory infections. These symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath

We are an official Lexington mold spore and pollen station for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Louisville AAAAI reporting station (daily updates) »

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Many people don't realize they have allergies. Or, they don't realize treatment is available to relieve their symptoms. Often, people only seek help when they experience a dramatic change in their quality of life.

At the UK Asthma, Allergy & Sinus Clinic, we see many patients who have lived with allergies all their lives. And often, after they receive treatment, they realize they didn't have to suffer from the sneezing, coughing, runny nose or watery eyes for so long.

Together, we can help improve your quality of life.

Allergy symptoms

The signs and symptoms of allergies are familiar to many:

• Sneezing often accompanied by a runny or clogged nose.
• Coughing and postnasal drip.
• Itching eyes, nose, and throat.
• Allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow near the sinuses).
• Watering eyes.
• Conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids, causing red-rimmed, swollen eyes, and crusting of the eyelids).

How can I tell if I have cold or allergies?

Colds:

• Caused by a virus
• Fever and chills
• Lasts 7-10 days

Allergies:

• Caused by an allergen
• No fever or chills, unless associated with secondary infection
• Acute symptoms may last a few hours, chronic symptoms may persist
• Often seasonal

Similarities between colds and allergies:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Clear drainage
• Throat cough
• Often responds to antihistamines, decongestants, over-the-counter drugs.

Does my child have allergies?

Young children often cannot verbalize allergic symptoms. You, as a parent, may have to observe them. Your child may have allergies if they show these symptoms:

• Inability to sleep or concentrate.
• Increased irritability.
• Falling asleep in class.
• Constant rubbing of the eyes or nose.
• 'Allergic shiners' (dark circles under the eyes).

Signs Your Child May Have Food Allergies

• Frequent vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• Atopic dermatitis/eczema.
• Acute hives or angioedema (swelling of lips or eyes) or anaphylaxis.
• Wheezing associated with feeding.
• "Picky eater" or lack of weight gain.

 More information on food allergy (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology)

What is an allergist?

A board-certified allergist/immunologist is a doctor trained in the subspecialty of allergy and immunology. The doctor must successfully complete a three-year residency in internal medicine or pediatrics prior to entering further training in allergy/immunology.

During the allergy/immunology fellowship, the doctor is trained in treating patients of all ages with allergic and immunologic disease. After the physician adequately completes two to three years of training, and has been board certified in internal medicine or pediatrics, the physician is then eligible to take the board examination in allergy and immunology.

Once the doctor successfully completes the board examination, the physician is deemed board certified. The American Board of Allergy and Immunology is recognized by both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics.

Why do I sneeze?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. These are the sinuses next to the nasal cavities. The inflammation could be caused by an infection from a virus, bacteria or fungus. It may also be the result of an allergic or autoimmune reaction. An autoimmune reaction is when your immune system attacks the good parts of your body.

Two types of sinusitis

• Acute sinusitis: Symptoms less than six weeks, usually secondary to infection.
• Chronic sinusitis: Symptoms longer than six weeks, often caused by chronic, untreated allergies.

Symptoms

• Nasal congestion.
• Pressure or pain in the face, occasionally felt in the teeth or jaw.
• Ear pressure and popping.
• Headaches.
• Post-nasal drip.
• Throat cough or clearing.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, the UK Asthma, Allergy & Sinus clinic can help.