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Allergy Specialists in Grand Rapids

When most people think of allergies they think of airborne agents setting of the nose as part of hay fever. There are a wide variety of allergic conditions that can affect different systems of the body through different mechanisms.

Allergy

As mentioned above, airborne agents can aggravate the nose and cause hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Air borne agents may also aggravate the lower airway and cause asthma or chronic cough. Other agents may affect the skin and cause hives (urticaria) or swelling episodes (angioedema). Foods can cause reactions and lead to different symptoms in different people. Drugs can cause reactions and lead to different symptoms in different people. Other agents such as latex or insect stings can also cause reactions.

We can help in the evaluation of different allergic conditions. We pursue an individualized approach as different people may have different reactions. Some of the more common allergic conditions are described further below.

Rhinitis

Rhinitis is a common problem affecting up to 20% of the population. Rhinitis can affect children and adults and can have a significant impact on productivity, quality of life, and other co-morbid conditions such as otitis media, sinusitis, and asthma.

Rhinitis many times has an allergic component, although we can also help patients with non-allergic rhinitis. If the problem is severe, rhinitis may lead to sinusitis as well and is often termed "rhino-sinusitis." When the sinuses become involved, it may be due to inflammatory or infectious components.

If you are suffering from persistent nasal or sinus trouble, look to Allergy and Asthma Care of Western Michigan. Our physician, Dr. Mark Millar, is Board Certified in Allergy-Immunology. We have experience in the evaluation of children and adults for both rhinitis and rhino-sinusitis. We will perform a thorough evaluation on the possible causes for the rhinitis. With possible causes in mind, we then develop a comprehensive treatment plan and discuss avoidance measures, medication options and, for appropriate patients, allergy immunotherapy injections.

Asthma

Asthma is a problem affecting 5% to 15% of the population. While there are more treatments for asthma than ever before, there has been an unfortunate trend towards an increase in asthma over the past several decades. The unpredictable nature of the disease and possibility of severe symptoms can be difficult to manage for both physicians and patients.

Asthma can affect children and adults and can have a significant impact on productivity and quality of life. Asthma often has an allergic component, although we can also help patients with non-allergic asthma.

If you are suffering from persistent asthma trouble, look to Allergy and Asthma Care of Western Michigan. Our physician, Dr. Mark Millar, is Board Certified in Allergy-Immunology. We have experience in the evaluation of both children and adults with asthma. We will perform a thorough evaluation on the possible causes for asthma. With possible causes in mind, we then develop a comprehensive treatment plan and discuss avoidance measures, medication options and, for appropriate patients allergy immunotherapy injections.

We also strive to educate patients on the disease of asthma. We spend time discussing disease mechanisms, types of medications available, how to use medications properly and when to use them. Our goal is to empower patients to become partners in their own care and prevent future asthma trouble if possible. We develop an individualized Asthma Action Plan so patients know what to do if trouble arises. Rather than letting asthma control their lives, we hope to have patients learn to control their asthma.

Chronic Cough

A persistent cough is one of the most common reasons a patient will see their physician. While there are many possible reasons, a cause can usually be found.

Patients are concerned not only with the medical problem causing the cough but also with the other interruptions a cough causes in daily life. Patients will limit social and work activities due to a persistent cough. A persistent cough has a significant impact on a person's quality of life.

If you are suffering from a persistent cough, look to Allergy and Asthma Care of Western Michigan. Our physician, Dr. Mark Millar, is Board Certified in Allergy- Immunology. We have experience in the evaluation of both children and adults with chronic cough. We will perform a thorough evaluation on the possible causes for the cough. With possible causes in mind, we then develop a comprehensive treatment plan and discuss avoidance measures and medication options.

Urticaria / Angioedema

Urticaria is a troublesome condition that can affect up to 20% of people at some time in their life. Some patients with urticaria also develop angioedema. These troublesome problems can be difficult to manage for both the patient and physician.

While a cause is not found in every case of urticaria or angioedema, in many cases a trigger may be found or medications can control the problem.

If you are suffering from a persistent urticaria or angioedema, look to Allergy and Asthma Care of Western Michigan. Our physician, Dr. Mark Millar, is Board Certified in Allergy-Immunology. We have experience in the evaluation of both children and adults with urticaria or angioedema. We will perform a thorough evaluation on the possible causes of the urticaria or angioedema. With possible causes in mind, we then develop a comprehensive treatment plan and discuss avoidance measures and medication options.

Other Allergic Conditions We Treat

  • Food Allergies

  • Bee Sting Allergy

  • Pet Allergies

  • Sinusitis

  • Angioedema

  • Drug Allergies

  • Latex Allergies

  • Many Others

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Conditions We Treat

When most people think of allergies they think of airborne agents setting of the nose as part of hay fever. There are a wide variety of allergic conditions that can affect different systems of the body.

Insurances We Accept

We participate with most major insurances but please review our list and call before your appointment if you have any questions.

Patient Forms

Before your first please fill out Our Patient Health Questionnaire and review the Financial Policies Statement. There is other useful information to on this page to help you acquaint yourself with our office.

Injection Hours

  • Morning
    Afternoon
  • Mon:
    9 - 11:30 am
    1 - 4:30 pm
  • Tues
    8:30 - 11:30am
    1 - 4:30 pm
  • Wed:
    9 - 12:30 pm
    2 - 4:30 pm
  • Thur:
    9 - 11:30 am
    1 - 4:30 pm
  • Fri:
    Closed
    Closed