HICKORY ALLERGY & ASTHMA CLINIC
provides medical services to children and adults for the following:

Patient's Medical History
An extensive questionnaire is filled out on or by each new patient. The medical history is very important in assisting Dr. Inglefield and 
his staff in providing patients individualized care.

Physical Exam
A physical exam is performed based on each patient's symptoms and medical history.  However, this does not take the place of an annual physical from your primary care physician.

Allergy Sensitivity Testing
We test for allergy sensitivity when appropriate.  The immune system of allergic individuals develop an abnormal response to some substances that do not ordinarily cause the immune system to react.  The body produces antibodies or proteins to a specific substance.  When future exposure occurs to that substance, the specific antibody triggers the release of chemicals, such as histamine and potent inflammatory compounds.  The allergic individual experiences symptoms, such as runny or congested nose, itching watering eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, skin rash, etc.

Skin, blood, and patch testing is done to identify the substances causing symptoms in a particular individual. 

Skin Testing
Allergy sensitivity testing is usually best done through skin testing which causes a minimal amount of discomfort.  Suspected allergens are introduced into the skin through a device that makes a small prick or pinches the skin.  A small amount of the allergen is applied through this skin prick or pinch.  A number of different allergens can be tested at one office visit.  A positive reaction is noted for a specific allergen if a red, raised placed called a wheal (looks like a mosquito bite) appears.  The results are available within fifteen minutes and will be discussed with each patient in detail.  

Certain medications interfere with the results of skin testing.  Patients are instructed which medications (primarily antihistamines) they must stay off of about a week prior to skin testing.  

Blood Testing
A sample of blood is drawn from the patient.  The blood sample is mixed with the lab with various allergens and the amount of an antibody, called IgE, is measured.  This is called a radioallergosorbent test (RAST).  Blood testing is not as sensitive as skin testing and may miss allergens that are triggering symptoms.  However, it is an option for individuals who cannot undergo skin testing due to a skin rash or cannot temporarily stay off of medications that keep the skin test from being accurate. 

Patch Testing
Patch testing involves taping small patches containing allergens to the person's back.  A number of separate allergens can be placed on the skin at one office visit.  "Patches" remain in place 48 hours and are read in the office do determine which patches produced a reaction and the severity of each positive reaction.  Positive reactions or skin eruptions can range from a faint redness to a raised red wheal.  

Other Testing
Mini CAT Scan of the Sinuses
A mini CAT Scan of the sinuses is available in our office.  You get quick results.  If indicated, antibiotic or other medication treatment for sinusitis can begin the same day.

Breathing Test
We may perform a breathing test in which we measure lung function.  The individual blows into a handheld tube-like instrument as hard and fast as possible.  The device produces numbers that show how well your lungs are functioning at that time. 

EarCheck
We can use a hand-held instrument and place the tip in each ear.  The test checks the pressure and calculates a set of graphs and numbers helping to detect if there is fluid in the ear.   

We may order blood work, x-rays, or other tests based on each patient's medical history and symptoms.

Summary Conference
We provide a comprehensive allergy evaluation summary conference for each new patient including an individualized treatment plan. Follow-up education is available. 

Immunotherapy - Allergy Shots
Our practice offers conventional and RUSH immunotherapy.  We specialize in allergy "shots" using rapid desensitization or RUSH immunotherapy techniques.

Contacting us

Please CALL our office (828-322-1275 or 1-800-432-5015) if you or your child is a patient at Hickory Allergy & Asthma Clinic, and 
1.  you have a question about your medical care.
2.  you are reporting or asking about symptoms. 
3.  you have a question about your medicines or need a refill. 
4.  you have a question about your account.
5.  you wish to schedule, reschedule or cancel an appointment.

For problems or questions regarding this web site contact [Email].

If you have a general allergy or asthma related question, address that to haac@wheezy.com.  We answer e-mailed questions periodically, but not necessarily daily.  

Date last updated:  July 14, 2008
Copyright 1999-2008