I am having an allergic/asthmatic emergency. What should I do?
We provide 24-hour emergency assistance. If you have an emergency, please call our office and leave a detailed message and your phone number. One of our staff members will return your call in a timely fashion.

If you believe your emergency is life threatening, please call 911 immediately.

How do I get my prescription refilled?
Please call our office during business hours for prescription refills. In some instances, you may need to see a clinician before receiving a refill. If so, we will notify you immediately upon receiving your refill request.

What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has a minimum of a master's degree in science and nursing. NPs have academic preparation in symptom assessment, diagnosis, pharmacology, and health management. This higher level of knowledge allows the nurse practitioner to operate in an autonomous professional role providing comprehensive care to individuals, families, or communities in a variety of ambulatory and inpatient settings. While demonstrating the highest degree of technical skill and knowledge, the NP continually focuses on comprehensive health care that considers all of the patient's physical and emotional needs. Practice priorities include developing a partnership with the patient while stressing health promotion and health care education. Nurse practitioners are recognized as excellent health care providers who provide professional, quality care.

My personal information has changed. Do you need that information?
Yes. Please provide our receptionist any changes in your address, phone number, marital status, insurance coverage, etc. Your information is kept in the strictest confidence and will not be release to any person, insurance plan or legal counsel without your written permission.

What is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis (commonly referred to as "hay fever") is defined as inflammation of the mucous membranes within the nose. This inflammation commonly causes itching, sneezing, runny nose, and nasal stuffiness. These symptoms are a natural response to the inflammation and irritation within the nose and are often associated with itching and redness of the eyes. In addition one may have an associated loss of sense of smell and/or taste, fatigue, post-nasal drip, dark circles under the eyes, or headache.

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis may be of a seasonal nature or occur year round. Seasonal allergies are usually caused by allergic sensitivity to pollens from trees, grasses or weeds. Perennial allergic rhinitis is the term used for symptoms, which occur year round. Perennial symptoms are frequently caused by sensitivity to house dust mites, animal dander, or mold spores, which are found in the environment on a day-to-day basis. Some people may experience both types of rhinitis with their symptoms worsening during specific pollen seasons.

What causes the allergy symptoms?
When an allergic individual inhales an allergen (allergy-causing substance) like ragweed pollen, the body's immune system reacts abnormally with the allergen. The allergen binds to allergic antibodies (immunoglobulin E) that are attached to cells that produce histamine and other chemicals. These cells are then triggered to release the histamine and other chemicals that cause the allergy symptoms. The release of histamine causes the small blood vessels in the nose to dilate and fluids leak out into the surrounding tissues, causing nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling and other allergy symptoms.

How is Allergic Rhinitis diagnosed?
Your clinician will begin by taking a detailed health history. This history will begin by focusing on the current symptoms that bring you to the office. Your clinician will also inquire about your home and work environment, your family's health history, past medical history, any medications you are taking, and general health status. He or she may then decide to complete skin testing to further define those allergens that are causing your symptoms. Prick puncture testing is the form of testing that is most often used. It is the most sensitive and accurate way of testing with results being available in about 20 minutes. Testing is generally completed on the patient's back with a small amount of suspected allergen introduced into the skin. Within 20 minutes a reaction (redness, swelling, itching) may occur at the site. A nurse will measure and document the reactions. Following the testing, you will discuss the findings with your clinician. Under specific circumstances, intradermal testing or blood testing may be necessary.

How is Allergic Rhinitis treated?
There are many ways of treating allergies, and each person's treatment must be individualized based on the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms as well as the degree of allergic sensitivity. Treatment options and recommendations are discussed and together the patient and clinician develop a treatment plan that is best for the individual. Treatment options generally include avoidance, medications, and immunotherapy (allergy shots).