CS Allergy

For our patients with hayfever we aim for optimal medical and immunologic control of allergic symptoms. These include runny nose, congestion, post-nasal drip, sneezing, itchy nose, itchy and watery eyes, scratchy throat, throat clearing, itchy ears or ear popping and can also include recurrent sinusitis or ear infections especially in children. With reliable allergy testing we can identify allergens that cause these problems and discuss the latest treatment methods available including immunotherapy (allergy shots). Remembering that avoidance is the number one treatment for any allergy, it is critical to identify exactly which allergens are likely causing the symptoms. With appropriate care, our patients can once again enjoy the beautiful outdoors that Colorado has been generous enough to provide.

We expect our asthmatic patients to participate in everyday activities from competitive sports to a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. We spend a large amount of time on patient education which can involve the whole family especially in cases of childhood asthma. Testing for asthma is available for most patients and a definitive diagnosis is established. We take great pride in answering the question, "Do I really have asthma?" Xolair, the latest treatment for allergic asthma, is also available for our patients who qualify.

Allergic reactions to foods can cause a variety of reactions in affected individuals. Peanut allergy is often times the most serious of the food allergies and can lead to life-threatening reactions. Children with bad skin rashes or eczema often times have associated food allergies that, when identified and eliminated, can clear up the skin rash. Common foods responsible for allergic reactions in children include peanut, egg, milk, soy, wheat, corn, and fish or shellfish.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is usually a red, itchy rash that requires immune modulating ointments and aggressive skin care. A written individualized plan for taking care of Eczema is generated for all of our patients from general skin care - to food avoidance and environmental control - to medicated ointments and creams.

We help those patients suffering with chronic sinusitis and provide a non-surgical alternative to care. Often times, chronic sinus disease is worsened by nasal allergies. By identifying these allergens and providing appropriate treatment, the sinus disease will usually improve. At Colorado Springs Allergy and Asthma Clinic, we have also begun using a cutting edge technique using the API nasal adapter and WaterPik for teaching nasal and sinus washings with salt water buffered in baking soda. This can provide significant relief to sinus sufferers regardless of their allergies.

We treat patients with hives, both sudden and longstanding, and can ease the annoyance of daily itching and unsightly rashes. Although identifying a specific cause for longstanding urticaria is very difficult, our providers keep current with national recommendations and testing will be performed in most cases to help identify a cause.

Often times, patients are sent to us to evaluate their immune system. These patient complain of frequent infections or it may be a child who is "always sick". Although rare, immune deficiencies do exist and can be effectively treated in most cases. Dr. Baswell and Dr. Caplan have had extensive training in the evaluation and management of immune deficiencies.