Allergies are basically reactions to a normally harmless substance such as pollen, molds, animal dander, latex, certain foods and insect stings. Allergy symptoms range from mild – rash or hives, itchiness, runny nose, watery/red eyes – to life-threatening.  Most allergies are inherited. Although avoiding the allergen is an important treatment approach, it usually doesn’t completely end the allergic reaction. Immunotherapy (“allergy shot therapy”) or allergy oral immunotherapy is recommended if symptoms aren’t adequately controlled with a combination of avoidance measures and regular medication use. Allergies can’t be cured, but symptoms can be controlled using a combination of avoidance measures and medications, as well as allergen immunotherapy in properly selected cases.

Asthma is a long-term condition affecting children and adults in which the air passages in the lungs become narrow due to inflammation and tightening of the muscles around the small airways. This causes: cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. These symptoms are intermittent and are often worse at night or during exercise. There are common “triggers” can make asthma symptoms worse, which will vary from person to person. A good management plan with inhaled medications and life style management can control the disease and enable people with asthma to enjoy a normal, active life.

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The groups, that are at the highest risk include adults ages 65 and older, children younger than age 2, people with certain medical conditions and the persons that smoke. Antibiotics are used for bacterial pneumonia and severe cases may require hospitalization. Most viral pneumonias don’t have specific treatment. They usually get better on their own. The flu is a common cause of pneumonia. Because of that, getting a flu shot every year can help prevent both the flu and pneumonia. There is also a pneumococcal vaccine which can protect from a common form of bacterial pneumonia.