Allergies and asthma are nothing to sneeze at — they are serious diseases that can be properly diagnosed and treated. Yet, millions of adults and children suffering from allergies and asthma may be unaware, self-medicated or misdiagnosed. The allergy and immunology specialists at Saint Francis diagnose and treat most allergy and immunology conditions. They work closely with patients and primary care providers to determine the best treatment plan for each individual.
Allergy Symptoms
An allergic reaction begins in the immune system which protects us from invading organisms that can cause illness. If you have an allergy, your immune system mistakes an otherwise harmless substance (called an allergen) as an invader. A reaction to an allergen typically triggers symptoms in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, stomach lining or on the skin.
Common Allergens
- Animal dander
- Dust
- Food
- Insect bites/stings
- Latex
- Medications/Drugs
- Mold
- Pollen
Common Allergy and Immunology Conditions
- Allergic rhinitis
- Asthma
- Food allergy
- Insect sting allergy
- Latex allergy
- Primary immune deficiency
- Sinusitis
Other Allergic Complications
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Anaphylaxis
- Churg-Strauss vasculitis
- Cough
- Drug allergies
- Farmer's lung
- Flushing syndromes
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- Mastocytosis
- Nasal drainage, infections and polyps
- Occupational asthma
Allergy and Immunology Treatments
Allergies can be a minor irritation or a life-threatening emergency. Severity varies from person to person as do treatment options.
Avoid the known trigger: Try your best to avoid allergens that you know cause you problems. For example, if you have a dust mite allergy, dust, vacuum and wash your bedding often.
Medications: Your allergist might recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications, including pills, nasal sprays or eye drops.
Immunotherapy: Also known as "allergy shots," treatment involves a series of injections of purified allergen extracts. Another form of immunotherapy is a tablet that's placed under the tongue (sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT) until it dissolves.
Epinephrine injection: Used for life-threatening allergic reactions caused by insect bites or stings, foods, medications, latex, and other causes. Get emergency medical treatment immediately after you inject epinephrine (AUVI-Q, EpiPen and others).
Learn More About Healthcare Services Provided Through Saint Francis
The physicians, staff and volunteers of Saint Francis Health System are dedicated to the healthcare of our communities in eastern Oklahoma. To learn more about services provided through Saint Francis, click on the links below or call Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.
Adult Healthcare Services
Childbirth and Newborn Services
Pediatric Healthcare Services
Emergency/After-hours Care