Choose Lane Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

Allergy Asthma & Immunology

We offer comprehensive allergy diagnostic and treatment options. Whether you suffer from seasonal or year-round allergies, our physician and staff are well equipped to provide solutions to improve your quality of life.

Here are some reasons our patients like Lane Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology:

 

Individualized Treatment Plans

Empathy, communication, and respect.

Dr. Ashley Willis creates personalized treatment plans based on each patient's specific needs. She considers the many factors that affect you and your lifestyle before formulating a treatment plan.

Same Day Appointments

We do our best to get you scheduled for the day you call (time permitting). 

Unfortunately, allergic reactions do not give prior warning before making an appearance. You may need to see a doctor immediately. We can help!

We promise to offer consistent care at an affordable cost for all our patients.

Allergy Testing and Treatment

It is estimated that more than 50 million people in the United States likely have an allergy of some kind. We can schedule allergy testing to help identify the allergens causing problems so you can take back control of your life!

Asthma Treatment

Asthma is a long-term disease of the lungs that causes your airways to get inflamed and narrow, which makes it hard to breathe. We can help you breath easier with proper diagnosis and treatment.

Central Location

We are conveniently located in the heart of Zachary for easy access to all of our patients. 

We offer an all-inclusive environment for patients to receive expert testing and diagnosis of allergic conditions and asthma.

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Allergies

Allergies occur when your body reacts in an abnormal way to a foreign substance in which you come in contact.

When you have allergies, your immune system creates antibodies to these substances. When these antibodies bind the foreign substances, allergy cells in your body can release histamine and other compounds. This causes such symptoms as sneezing, runny nose, and itching.

Allergies may be seasonal, which come and go through different times of the year, or they may affect you throughout the year. The difference lies in the substance your body reacts to – the allergen.

Common Types of Allergies

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a very common type of allergy.  If you have allergic rhinitis, your immune system mistakenly identifies a typically harmless environmental substance as a threat causing sneezing, congestion, itchy nose, and nasal drainage.

The condition is often triggered by airborne particles, such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen from trees and plants. Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is not contagious.

Food allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts to specific proteins in the food. Allergic reactions can vary in severity from mild symptoms such as hives to severe, life-threatening conditions like anaphylactic shock. These reactions may take a few minutes to several hours to manifest.

Similar to food allergies, within minutes to hours after taking a medication, symptoms such as hives, shortness of breath, and/or nausea and vomiting can occur.

Stinging insect venom can produce symptoms similar to food and drug allergies within minutes to hours of an insect sting.

Allergy Testing

Allergy testing allows you to discover what is causing your allergic reactions. It is a great way to find out your triggers and create an action plan to stay healthy. 

How Allergy Tests Work

Allergy tests measure your body’s response to specific allergy triggers or allergens.

There are three main types of allergens:

  • Inhaled allergens affect the body when your lungs or membranes of the nostrils or throat are exposed to them; for example, pollen.
  • Ingested allergens are present in certain foods, such as peanuts, soy, and seafood. An allergic reaction is triggered as the body digests the allergens.
  • Contact allergens trigger a reaction when they come in direct contact with your skin, for example, the rash or itch caused by poison ivy. These are diagnosed by patch testing with a dermatologist.

Depending on the suspected allergens and your symptoms, your allergist can use any of the following types of allergy tests for diagnosis:

 

This is usually the first test your doctor will use to identify allergens. During this procedure, your doctor will use a thin needle to prick the skin of your forearm or back with up to 50 types of allergens. It is recommended that antihistamines are avoided one week prior to skin prick testing.

Adverse reactions, such as skin redness or rash, typically appear within 15 minutes if your system reacts to any of the allergens.

This test can check for environmental allergies, food and drug allergies, and insect sting allergies.

It is important to note that a positive skin prick test does not automatically mean you have an allergy. Your reaction history must be discussed with your doctor to determine if you are truly allergic.

This test may be needed if the scratch test gives inconclusive results. During this test, a small amount of the suspected allergen is injected into the outer layer of your skin, and the body’s reaction is noted.

This test can check for allergies to airborne allergens, medications, and insect stings.

Allergy blood testing looks for specific IgE antibodies to the substances you may be allergic to. Like skin prick testing, positive blood testing does not necessarily mean you have an allergy. Your reaction history must be discussed with your doctor to determine if you are truly allergic.

This type of testing is sometimes performed as an alternative to the allergy skin test. However, results for the blood test can take up to 2 days, while the skin test shows results within 15 minutes.

This is a medical procedure in which a suspected food or medication allergen is ingested in gradually increasing amounts, under medical supervision to rule out an allergy.

This test should always be performed by a doctor who specializes in allergies. If you develop anaphylaxis during the test, the doctor can quickly administer epinephrine and other medications to treat the reaction.

 

Allergy Treatment

Allergy Shots (Allergen Immunotherapy)

Allergy shots are a treatment option where you are given a series of injections to help desensitize your body to various environmental and insect venom allergens.

Allergy shots are a treatment option we consider if you suffer from severe allergy symptoms that are getting in the way of your daily life. Allergy shots require a multi-year commitment, but they can provide you with long-term relief.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

Sublingual immunotherapy, or SLIT, is a type of immunotherapy used to treat environmental allergies. It can improve allergy symptoms, help prevent the development of asthma and new allergies, and reduce the need for allergy medications. 

With SLIT, instead of allergy shots to help overcome and control allergy symptoms, you are given daily allergy tablets that are administered under the tongue. These are also given for several years.

Over-the-Counter & Prescription Medications

Here are a few safe prescriptions and over-the-counter medications that may relieve your allergy symptoms: 

  • Nose sprays, such as intranasal corticosteroids and intranasal antihistamines, help to reduce nasal drainage and congestion. Nose sprays are an effective treatment for nasal allergies.
  • Antihistamines are used to block histamine, which triggers allergic symptoms. They are designed to calm a runny nose, sneezing, itching, and hives. Antihistamines are used primarily to treat seasonal and indoor allergies. 
  • Decongestants help to shrink the swollen membranes in the nose. They help with stuffiness. Decongestants usually come in the form of nose sprays and are usually only given for a short amount of time.
  • You may be prescribed oral corticosteroids if you suffer from severe allergic reactions. The use of this medication for allergies has to be carefully monitored.
  • Epinephrine, more commonly known as the Epi-Pen, is a pre-measured and self-injected treatment for someone experiencing a life-threatening severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to foods or insect stings.

How to Avoid Allergens

The best way to prevent allergy symptoms and limit your need for treatment is to avoid your allergens as much as possible. Depending on your allergy testing results, personalized avoidance measures can be discussed.

If airborne allergens trigger your symptoms, wash your nose daily with a nasal saline rinse. This can help reduce your exposure to airborne allergens. 

 

Asthma

 

Asthma occurs when your airways obstruct the flow of air out of your lungs. With asthma, your airways narrow and swell and get blocked by excess mucus. This can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. You can use different medications to treat these symptoms. 

More than 25 million people in the United States have asthma. The consequences of asthma can be life-threatening if you don’t have the proper medications to treat it. 

One way to categorize asthma is by how often it occurs: 

  • Intermittent: It comes and goes, and you can feel completely normal between attacks and flares. 
  • Persistent: You have asthma symptoms most of the time. These symptoms could be severe, mild, or moderate, but they are constantly there. 

There are specific subtypes of asthma as well that one can experience: 

  • Exercise-induced asthma: This type is specifically triggered by activity and is also known as exercise-induced bronchospasm, or EIB. 
  • Allergy-induced asthma: Allergy-induced asthma, or allergic asthma, is when your allergies trigger your asthma. 
  • Occupational asthma: This occurs in people who work around irritating substances. 

Risk factors for developing asthma:

  • Genetics: People with a family history of either asthma or allergic disease have a higher chance of developing asthma. 
  • Allergies: If you have allergies, there is a greater chance that you may develop asthma. 
  • Respiratory infections: If you suffered a respiratory infection, such as a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as a child, your chance of developing asthma increases. 
  • Environmental factors: The chance of asthma increases if you are exposed to and breathe in irritants such as toxic fumes and tobacco smoke.

 

Symptoms of Asthma

You may not have all of the symptoms below every time you have an attack, and the presence and severity of symptoms can also change. 

  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing
  • Chest tightness
  • Chest pain
  • Chest pressure

 

Asthma Evaluation

To accurately diagnose asthma, an evaluation by a physician needs to occur. Diagnosing asthma ideally requires a detailed medical history, a physical exam, and lung function testing. We may also run additional tests to rule out conditions other than asthma and determine if you have other conditions that may impact your diagnosis and treatment.

First, we will want to talk to you about your symptoms and health. This will help us determine if you have asthma or if something else is causing the breathing issues you are experiencing. 

Here are a few types of questions that we may cover as we go over your medical history:

  • What type of symptoms are you experiencing? Does anything seem to be triggering these symptoms? When do they occur?
  • Do you smoke or vape tobacco? Do you smoke or vape marijuana? 
  • Do you have a blood relative, including parents, siblings, aunts/uncles, cousins, or grandparents, that have hay fever, allergies, or asthma? 
  • Do you have hay fever? Do you suffer from any other allergies?
  • Do you have any health problems? 
  • Do you use any medications or herbal supplements? 
  • What is your occupation? 

These questions are designed to help us see if you have any risk factors that could contribute to an asthma diagnosis. These questions will also help us rule out any other potential conditions impacting your breathing.

Next, we will conduct a physical exam. During a physical exam, there are a few specific things that we will be examining and listening for: 

  • Listen to your breathing: It is important to listen to your breathing with a stethoscope. Wheezing, which is a high-pitch whistling sound when you exhale, is a primary sign of asthma. 
  • Examine your skin: Your skin can provide signs of an allergic reaction or condition, which can appear as eczema or hives on your skin. 
  • Examine your airways: We will examine your upper airways, throat, and nose.

After a medical history and physical exam, you will undergo a series of specific asthma testing to get an accurate diagnosis.

Lung function tests are designed to measure your breathing and to help diagnose and monitor asthma.

Almost all lung tests will have you breathe in and out while using a specific device. These tests are relatively simple and can be completed at the doctor’s office. Please note that you may need to stop using certain medications before the test to get accurate results. Your doctor will give you more details when your medical history is discussed before testing.

With a spirometry test, you will breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer. The purpose of spirometry is to measure how much air you can breathe in and out to evaluate for obstruction in your airways.

The test itself is simple. You take a deep breath and then exhale with as much force as possible. You may be asked to do this a few times to get the most accurate results. 

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that let us see how well your lungs work. These provide additional information that spirometry does not provide, such as any restriction in your airways. Other information PFTs provide include:

  • Lung volume
  • Capacity
  • Rates of flow
  • Gas exchange

A peak flow meter test uses a special, handheld device. You will be asked to breathe into the device. It specifically measures the rate at which you can push air out of your lungs. 

The process for the test is simple.  You breathe deeply and then blow into the device as hard and fast as possible. A peak flow meter can track your asthma and monitor your condition. 

FeNO stands for fractional exhaled nitric oxide. This is a gas found in the atmosphere, and your body produces it when there is inflammation in your airways. 

FeNO testing has been used since the 1990s to measure the amount of nitric oxide in your airways. A high level of nitric oxide is a sign of inflammation and is common in people with asthma, allergies, and eczema. 

A FeNO test can help diagnose asthma but can’t be used as the only diagnostic tool.

A methacholine challenge test is a test that uses a dose of methacholine to narrow your airways and test the reactiveness or responsiveness of your lungs. It can be used to help rule out asthma if the test is negative.

We may run additional tests to ensure you do not have an alternate diagnosis other than asthma. Some tests you may need include: 

  • CT scans of your sinuses
  • Gastroesophageal reflux assessment
  • X-ray or CT of your chest
  • Examination of the phlegm in your lungs to check for bacterial or viral infection

We will also check if you have any of the following conditions that could make your asthma worse: 

  • Sinusitis
  • Hay fever
  • Heartburn

It can be challenging to diagnose breathing issues, especially in children. Additionally, asthma can coexist with other conditions that can impact your breathing. 

Asthma Treatment

  • Bronchodilators: These medications, such as albuterol, work quickly to relieve sudden systems. You take them at the first sign of asthma symptoms for them to work as effectively as possible. They do not treat the underlying inflammation in your lungs.
  • Controller medications: These oral and inhaled medications are taken daily to prevent you from developing asthma symptoms. They reduce swelling in the airways and reduce excess mucus production.
  • Biologics: These injectable medications are given every 1-2 months for severe asthma. They do not cure asthma, but can significantly reduce the number of asthma flares that patients experience. These can be given at home or in a physician’s office.
  • Additionally, oral steroids can be given for asthma flares. However, it is preferred that these are used only when needed, as steroids can cause side effects.

 

Types of Asthma Medication Devices

Most asthma medications are delivered by breathing in the medication via an inhaler or nebulizer. This allows the medication to be delivered directly to your lungs. However, asthma medications can also be administered as infusions, injectables, and pills. 

Inhalers

Inhalers, also called puffers, deliver medication straight to your lungs. Various types of inhalers can be used to deliver your asthma medication. 

  • Metered dose inhalers: This type of inhaler has a propellant that sprays the medicine out of the inhaler in short bursts. It is the type of inhaler most people associate with asthma medication. 
  • Dry powder inhalers: The medication is released from the inhaler, and you breathe it in. It doesn’t have a propellant or a spray. 

It is important to use inhalers correctly. Most people make at least one mistake when using their inhalers, which is why it is essential to learn how to use your inhaler correctly. Inhaler technique will be reviewed with you periodically in our office.

Nebulizers

A nebulizer is also known as a breathing machine. It takes liquid asthma medicine and turns it into a mist you breathe in through a mouthpiece or mask. Facemasks are commonly used for children under five because they tend to breathe more through their noses than their mouths.

Some people find nebulizers easier to use than asthma inhalers. Once you set up a nebulizer, it is easy to use. They come in tabletop and portable models. 

Treating Your Asthma

Medication is one tool to treat your asthma. However, the medications that work for you may change over time. Asthma is a chronic condition and requires continued care. It is important to learn about your triggers and figure out how to avoid them. 

Skin Conditions

At Lane Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, we treat a variety of skin conditions, including:

  • Eczema
  • Hives (Urticaria)
  • Swelling (Angioedema)

 

Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that in which patients have dry, itchy skin. Eczema occurs often in patients with allergic conditions. Diagnosis of eczema is made by a thorough physical exam.

The mainstay of eczema treatment is frequent moisturizing with an unscented moisturizing cream or ointment. Topical steroids such as hydrocortisone or triamcinolone are used for flares, but should not be applied to non-affected skin as this can lead to thinning and lightening of the skin.

Other topical medications such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus can be considered for chronic eczema. For cracked and bleeding skin, antibiotic ointments such as mupirocin can be applied. Oral antibiotics may also need to be prescribed for severe eczema flares.

For severe eczema, the biologic dupilumab can be prescribed. This is an injectable medication given every two to four weeks to help control the severity of your eczema. Wet wrap therapy can also be considered one to two times per week.

Wet wrapping therapy consists of soaking and sealing moisture into the skin.

  • Bathtub filled with lukewarm water
  • Towel
  • Moisturizer cream or ointment
  • Spray bottle filled with plain water
  • 2 sets of clothing or bandages/dressings

  • Soak in a bathtub filled with lukewarm water (90-96 F) for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the areas of the body to treat stay fully submerged in the water.
  • Pat partially dry with a cotton towel.
  • After drying the skin, moisturize with the moisturizing cream or ointment, making sure to liberally apply on the areas of the body that need treating.
  • Wet one layer of clothing or bandages in warm water. Wring them out until damp. Dress in this layer of warm, damp clothing or bandages fully covering the areas of eczema to treat.
  • Cover the damp layer with the dry layer of clothing or bandages.
  • Leave the wet and dry layer on for two hours.
  • Check the wet layer every once in a while to make sure it’s still damp. If it starts to dry out use the spray bottle of pure water to dampen the clothing again.
  • After two hours, remove the clothing or bandages and completely moisturize the skin again with the creams or balm/salve.

 

Urticaria

Urticaria, or hives, are itchy, red wheals that can appear anywhere on the body. They can move and reappear in different locations over a short period of time. Acute urticaria occur over a period of less than six weeks, and chronic urticaria occur over a period greater than six weeks.

Acute urticaria can be caused by food or environmental allergies but is also very commonly due to illnesses.

Chronic urticaria is typically referred to as chronic spontaneous urticaria, or CSU.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria describes hives recurring for six weeks or more without a clear trigger. Globally, it affects 0.5%-1% of the general population.  

In patients with CSU, there is over activation of mast cells and basophils which results in release of inflammatory substances such as histamine. Release of histamine results in hives and tissue swelling.

In the majority of patients without other associated symptoms, extensive laboratory evaluation is not recommended to identify the cause of the hives, as this is unlikely to be due to a food or exposure to another allergen. Some patients may experience flares of urticaria with NSAID use, alcohol consumption, or stress.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria is diagnosed through history and physical exam.

Since chronic spontaneous urticaria is caused by histamine release, the mainstay of treatment are antihistamines, which generally include second generation H1-antihistamines (cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) and H2-antihistamines (famotidine, cimetidine).

If symptoms are not controlled with antihistamines, other medications might be considered such as injectable omalizumab, montelukast, or immunosuppressive drugs. Rarely, oral steroids might be used for severe symptoms; however, this is usually avoided as it can cause worsening of hives once it is discontinued.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria is usually episodic and self-limiting. At one year, approximately 30-50% of patients achieve spontaneous remission. On average, the disease duration is three to five years.

 

Angioedema

Angioedema is swelling that can occur with or without hives and is typically not itchy. Typical locations include eyelids, lips, and tongue. Angioedema with hives is related to the histamine release described above and is treated similarly. Angioedema without hives requires additional blood work to rule out certain disorders such as hereditary angioedema.

 

Immunodeficiencies

An immunologic disorder is a condition or disease that is caused by some dysfunction in your immune system. Below are examples of different immunodeficiencies:

Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a genetic condition that weakens the immune system and results in frequent infections. It causes low levels of antibodies in the body, which is why people with CVID experience frequent infections. 

Around 10% of CVID cases are hereditary; the rest are random genetic mutations or changes. This genetic change can happen suddenly and without any apparent reason. 

Immunoglobulin A Deficiency

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an antibody that helps to fight bacterial infections. Having an IgA deficiency means you either have no IgA in your blood or very low levels. Many patients with IgA deficiency are asymptomatic, however some patients have more frequent bacterial infections.

Specific Antibody Deficiency

If someone doesn’t produce enough IgG antibodies targeted to a specific bacteria, they have a specific antibody deficiency (SAD). Lacking the ability to produce antibodies can increase upper and lower respiratory infections.

 

Immunodeficiency Treatment

Treatment for immunodeficiency syndromes must be discussed with your physician. Options include:

  • Prophylactic antibiotics: Antibiotics can be given daily in specific patients who develop frequent bacterial infections.
  • Intravenous Immunoglobuin (IVIg): Antibody infusions can be prescribed for patients with antibody deficiencies to strengthen their immune systems.\

How IVIG Therapy Works

The plasma in your blood contains immunoglobulins. They are antibodies that help you fight back against diseases and germs. 

When blood is donated, the immunoglobulins can be separated from the blood plasma of healthy donors. Then, the plasma is purified. 

After all that, the donated immunoglobulin is infused into your veins through a needle in your arms. This is not a fast process; it usually takes two to four hours. This treatment is often needed for those who naturally lack or need more immunoglobulins about once a month. 

Your blood breaks down immunoglobulins over time, which is why you need a new dose every three to four weeks to keep up your body’s ability to fight infection. The volume of your infusion depends upon your body weight. 

The Side Effects of IVIg

For most people, IVIg treatment is easy to tolerate. Some people experience minor side effects right after an Immune globulin infusion. Minor side effects can include a low-grade fever, muscle aches, and joint aches. 

Serious side effects include wheezing, a tightness in your chest, and hives. If you experience these side effects, get emergency medical help right away. 

 

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