Allergy and Immunology

Allergies are one of the most common chronic conditions, affecting people of all ages. They occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to a foreign substance that is typically harmless, such as pollen, dust, certain foods, and other substances that are breathe in, swallowed, or touched. 

When exposed to these substances (called allergens), your immune system produces antibodies (typically immunoglobulin E or IgE), which can trigger a wide range of affecting the skin, respiratory tract, or digestive tract.

The most common allergens are:

• Pollen.
• Mold.
• Household dust, dust mites and their waste.
• Animal dander, urine, or oil from skin.
• Chemicals used for manufacturing.
• Certain foods.
• Medicine.
• Feathers.
• Bug stings.
• Cockroaches and their waste.
• Latex.

At Cooper University Health Care, our board-certified allergists and immunologists diagnose and a full range of allergic and immune-related conditions in both children and adults. Our goal is to help you or your child find lasting relief and improve your quality of life. For more information about our pediatric allergy and immunology services, click here.

Allergy-Related Conditions We Treat

Cooper’s experts evaluate, diagnose, and treat the following allergy-related conditions:

• Allergic conjunctivitis (eye itching and redness).
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
• Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).
• Angioedema (swelling).
• Asthma.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema).
• Contact dermatitis (skin reactions to irritants).
• Drug allergy (contact us to confirm the drug test needed is available).
• Eosinophilic esophagitis.
• Food allergy.
• Insect sting allergy.
• Latex allergy.
• Sinusitis.
• Urticaria (hives).
• Mast cell disorders.

Causes and Risk Factors 

Allergies can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase your risk:

• Family history of allergies or asthma.
• Exposure to environmental irritants, like smoke or strong odors.
• Hormonal changes.
• Stress.

In some people, allergies appear in childhood, disappear for years, and return later in life.

Allergy Symptoms 

Allergic reactions can happen anywhere in the body and can cause:

• Stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, or runny nose, and itching in ears or roof of mouth.
• Red, itchy, watery eyes.
• Red, itchy, dry skin.
• Hives or itchy welts.
• Itchy rash.
• Asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.

Severe Allergic Reaction: Anaphylaxis

In some cases, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis can occur. Common triggers of anaphylaxis can include certain foods, medications, insect stings, or latex.  Symptoms may include:

• Itching and hives over most of the body.
• Swelling of the throat and tongue.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Drop in blood pressure.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Stomach cramps, nausea, or diarrhea.
• Shock.
• Loss of consciousness.

Some people who are aware of their potential for serious allergic reactions carry an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen®) to treat symptoms immediately.

Diagnosing Allergies

Our specialists will work closely with you to understand your symptoms and, if needed, perform testing that may include:

• Skin testing with allergens.
• Blood tests.
• Patch testing.
• Pulmonary function testing.
• Drug allergy testing.
• Food ingestion challenge.

Treatment Options

Cooper’s specialists will work with you to develop a treatment approach that meets your needs and preferences. Allergy treatments are tailored to meet each patient’s unique circumstances and depend upon a patient’s age, overall health, tolerance for certain medications, and severity of symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Allergy shots (immunotherapy): a long-term treatment that helps reduce sensitivity to allergens over time; ideal for those with environmental allergies or stinging insect allergies. Since it can take 6 to 18 months for allergy shots to become effective, you may need to take allergy medications in the meantime.
• Allergy medications: steroid nasal sprays, antihistamines, decongestants, and other medications for allergic rhinitis

Preventing Allergic Reactions

Prevention is also an important part of controlling your allergies. To avoid triggering your allergies:

• Stay indoors when the pollen count is high and on windy days.
• Dust-proof your home, particularly the bedroom.
  • When possible, get rid of carpeting, Venetian blinds, down-filled blankets or pillows, closets filled with clothes.
  • Wash bedding, curtains, and clothing often in hot water to get rid of dust mites.
  • Keep bedding in dust covers when possible.
• Use air conditioning instead of opening windows.
• Use a dehumidifier in damp parts of the home and cleaning the dehumidifier often.
• Wear a face mask when working in the yard.
• Refrain from vacationing by the beach during the heaviest part of pollen season.

Immune Deficiency and Dysregulation Disorders

In addition to allergies, Cooper’s team of experts diagnoses and treatment immune system disorders that impact the body’s ability to fight infection (immunodeficiency) or properly control immune response either against our own cells or foreign cells (autoimmunity or autoinflammatory disorders). Cooper’s allergists and immunologists have extensive experience treating primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders as well as many autoinflammatory disorders.

Some immunodeficiency and immune dysregulation disorders are inheritable (genetic) and present from birth while others may develop at any age. The most common signs of immunodeficiency are frequent, severe acute and/or chronic infections, but can also cause symptoms like diarrhea, enlarged lymph nodes, unexplained fevers, and early malignancy.

It is important to diagnose an immunodeficiency and immune dysregulation disorder as early as possible to develop an appropriate treatment approach. 

Immunologic Conditions We Treat

• Common variable immunodeficiency.
• Specific antibody deficiency.
• Selective IgA deficiency.
• Hyper IgE syndromes.
• Combined immunodeficiencies (CID).
• Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
• Periodic fever syndromes.
• Other antibody deficiency disorders.
• Other primary cellular immunodeficiencies.

Why Choose Cooper for Your Allergy and Immunology Care? 

At Cooper University Health Care, our team of expert allergists and specialists provide comprehensive, compassionate care for adults and children with allergies – from diagnosis through long-term management. Patients trust us for our allergy care because of our:

• Advanced diagnostic and treatment options: We offer the latest allergy testing methods and a full range of treatment options, including immunotherapy (allergy shots), medications, and prevention strategies.
• Specialized expertise: Our board-certified allergists and fellowship-trained otolaryngologists work together to manage even the most complex allergic conditions.
• Collaborative, personalized care: We take the time to understand your symptoms and triggers, and tailor a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and needs.
• Commitment to medical education and research: As part of South Jersey’s only academic health system, our team is involved in advancing allergy care through research and teaching, ensuring patients benefit from the most up-to-date knowledge and innovations.