Arizona Asthma and Allergy Institute

05/04/2026

What Is Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)?

Swelling can be scary, especially when it happens suddenly. Most of the time, swelling of the skin (like lips, eyes, or hands) is caused by something common, like allergies or a virus. But in rare cases, swelling may be due to a condition called hereditary angioedema, or HAE for short. HAE is a genetic condition, which means it can run in families. It happens when the body is missing or not using a protein that helps control swelling. Because of this, the body can swell suddenly without a clear reason. Thankfully, most swelling is not HAE. But if swelling keeps happening, lasts a long time, or does not respond to allergy medicines, it’s important to look deeper.

HAE causes episodes of swelling in different parts of the body. This can include the face, lips, eyelids, hands, feet, stomach, or throat. Unlike typical allergic or viral-induced swelling, HAE swelling usually does not itch, usually does not come with hives, and can last longer (usually 2-5 days). HAE is rare, but it can be serious. The good news is that there are plenty of safe and effective treatments for HAE. If you have recurrent swelling, a family history of swelling, or swelling that does not respond to allergy treatments - you should see an allergist!

03/16/2026

Food allergies can be frightening for families, especially with so much confusing or conflicting information online. Many common beliefs about food allergies are actually myths. An allergist can help sort through the misinformation, provide accurate testing and guidance, and create a clear plan to keep patients safe. This month, we'd like to share information on some common myths or misconceptions about food allergy:

Food allergies aren’t limited to peanuts. Many foods (like milk, eggs, and tree nuts) can cause serious reactions.

Reactions don’t always become worse with each exposure. Severity can vary from one reaction to another.

Simply smelling a food or being in the same room as a food rarely causes an allergic reaction. Most food allergens do not become airborne.

Antihistamines cannot treat anaphylaxis. The correct treatment for severe reactions is epinephrine.

Food allergy tests cannot predict reaction severity. They only help determine the likelihood of an allergy.

Food allergy and food intolerance are different. Intolerances do not involve the immune system and are usually less dangerous. Unfortunately, there is no accurate or reliable test for most food intolerances.

Precautionary labels like “may contain” are not standardized, so the risk varies between products. Some of these products can contain trace ingredients, and the others don't.

Early introduction of certain foods in infancy may help prevent allergies, and infants can be evaluated for food allergies at any age - there is no need to wait until they are 1 year old!

02/16/2026

Pet Allergy: Separating Fact and Fiction
Did you know that there is no such thing as a “hypoallergenic” pet? This is often a marketing term used by breeders, but there is no truth to it! ALL dogs and cats produce allergens, which are tiny proteins that can cause allergic reactions. These proteins are in their skin, saliva, urine and other body secretions such as tears. Even hairless cats or dogs that shed very little still produce allergens. That means there is no breed that is completely safe for people with allergies.

Most people think pet hair is the problem, but it’s actually the proteins attached to the fur and skin. When pets groom themselves or move around the house, allergens get into the air and settle on furniture, carpets, and clothing. That’s why even “low-shedding” pets can trigger symptoms.

Allergic reactions to pets can include: sneezing, runny and stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, skin reactions such as hives, and even asthma symptoms such as cough and wheezing. Asthma can also be more difficult to control in those who are allergic to their pets.

If you already have a pet or are thinking of getting one, there are ways to reduce exposure and manage symptoms:

Keep pets out of the bedroom

Use HEPA air purifiers

Vacuum regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum

Wash hands after touching your pet

Groom and bathe pets as appropriate

Wash bedding and soft surfaces often

Consider allergy medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots)

Even though there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat or dog - Many people with mild to moderate allergies successfully live with their pets. The key is knowing your sensitivities and taking steps to reduce allergens in your home. Seeing an allergist before bringing a pet home can help you make the best choice for your health!

01/28/2026

Can allergy shots help my seasonal allergy symptoms?
Do you sneeze a lot? Have itchy eyes, a runny nose, or trouble breathing because of allergies? If allergy medicines don't seem to help enough, allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots may be a good option for you.

Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, help your body learn to react better to things you're allergic to, such as pollens, dust mites, mold, or pet dander. Allergy shots are regular injections that contain a very small amount of the allergen that causes your symptoms. At first, the dose is very small. Over time, the amount slowly increases. This helps your immune system get used to the allergen instead of overreacting to it.

Allergy shots treat the cause of allergies, not just the symptoms. Many allergy medicines only cover up symptoms for a short time. Allergy shots work differently. Over time, your body becomes less sensitive, so you feel better when exposed to allergens. This not only translates to less symptoms, but also often means less medications! In addition, allergy shots can lead to long-lasting relief and even help asthma.

If your allergies are really holding you back and you want to do more, you should talk to your allergist to see if you would be a good candidate for allergy shots!

12/22/2025

Combating winter dryness
We already have dryness here in the desert, but this can get much worse in the winter months. You may notice your nose feels dry, irritated, or be prone to nosebleeds in the winter time. Also, your skin may be excessively dry and eczema harder to control.

Winter air causes problems because during the winter months, outdoor air has less moisture while indoor heating can cause more dryness. Therefore, our skin and nasal passes can become dry and make our allergy symptoms feel even worse. So what can you do?

Using a humidifier daily can help add moisture to the air. Just make sure you are cleaning them regularly!

Keep your nose moisturized with saline spray or gel daily

Make sure you are using proper technique on any medicated nasal sprays to minimize side effects like dryness

Stay well hydrated!

Limit strong fragrances, sprays, smoke and harsh cleaning products that can cause more irritation

Keep skin moisturized with gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Applying lotion after every shower or bath can help lock in the extra moisturization that your skin needs!

If you continue to have problems related to nasal dryness or irritation or worsening skin problems, be sure to connect with your allergist for more advice!

10/27/2025

What Are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that form inside your nose or sinuses. They can get quite large and can block your nose, making it hard to breathe. You might also have a runny or stuffy nose, pressure in your face, or lose your sense of smell or taste.

Nasal polyps are more common in people with asthma, allergies, or frequent sinus infections. Sometimes, they happen with a condition called AERD (aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease). Nasal polyps are more common in patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Doctors usually treat polyps with steroid nose sprays to help shrink them. If that doesn’t work, there are other specialized medications, called biologics, that can be used if needed to help reduce symptoms and polyp size. Surgery can remove large polyps and help you breathe better. However, polyps can come back after surgery! So regular follow-up care and preventative medication is important.

With the right treatment, most people with nasal polyps feel much better and can breathe easier again and may be able to avoid surgery! If you have symptoms that don’t go away, talk to your allergist about your symptoms.

10/06/2025

HAPPY NATIONAL PA DAY!! 🎉

Today we celebrate the incredible Physician Assistants who are the heart of our Allergy & Asthma care team. Their dedication, compassion and expertise make a world of difference for our patients every single day!

Whether it's helping manage complex allergy plans, listening with care, or ensuring every patient feels heard and supported- our PAs go above and beyond to make each visit exceptional.

Thank you for all you do to keep our patients breathing easier and living better!! 💗

09/30/2025

How to emphasize food allergy safety with your teenager

As children grow into teenagers and young adults, their push for independence sometimes clashes with the need to stay vigilant about their food allergies. It’s important for teens to feel independent and make their own choices, and fitting in socially is also important to them at this age. Parents still play a key role in making sure teens with food allergies are kept safe. Here are some tips to consider when navigating food allergies with your teen:

Avoid lecturing or arguing
Teens are different from younger kids. Teens often already know what you want them to do. It’s more effective to enforce important safety rules calmly. Repeating rules or scolding can lead to resistance or shutdown rather than cooperation.

Negotiate where possible
Carrying an epinephrine device is non-negotiable if someone has food allergy. However, finding areas where you can compromise gives teens some control and ownership. For example, agreeing on how they carry their epinephrine (type of device, carrier, style, etc.).

Allow them to take the lead
When dining out, allow your teen to ask questions about ingredients and food preparation. If taking your own food or snacks on a trip, allow your teen to plan ahead for the trip and help decide what to bring. This will also prepare them for navigating the adult years ahead!

Use tech to your advantage
If your teen forgets their epinephrine often, have them set reminders on their own phone or smart watch.

Help them choose a safety network
Help your teen choose a few close friends who know about their allergy and how to treat it. Knowing you’ve got back up can make social situations less stressful.

Use positive reinforcement
Encourage your teen to speak up about their food allergy in social situations, even if they feel social pressure. When you catch your teen doing something “good” –such as asking about ingredients or declining a food they are not sure is safe –praise them for this later. This positive reinforcement can help build confidence in managing their food allergy long-term.

08/18/2025

Ragweed Season in Arizona: Why It Still Makes You Miserable
When people think of allergies in Arizona, they often picture dust, desert plants, or spring blooms. But ragweed is a major allergy trigger here, especially in late summer and fall. Even though Arizona’s dry climate limits pollen compared to other states, ragweed thrives in certain areas and can cause months of frustrating symptoms.

Ragweed's lightweight pollen can travel miles on the wind, especially in dry climates, so even if you don’t see ragweed nearby, you can still have symptoms! In Arizona,, ragweed typically pollinates from August through November

Tips on Managing Ragweed Season in Arizona:
Be in the know by checking local pollen counts!

Shower and change clothes after being outside to keep pollen out of your home.

Use air filters indoors to reduce pollen and dust exposure.

Work with an allergist — testing can confirm ragweed sensitivity, and treatments like various medications or allergy immunotherapy (shots or tablets) can provide relief!

If you think ragweed season may be to blame for your fall allergies, call Arizona Asthma and Allergy Institute today to schedule allergy testing and get ahead of the ragweed season!

07/10/2025

Stings happen – Bee prepared!

We see many patients who are unsure whether their reaction to a bee, wasp, or hornet sting is normal—or something more serious. Most people will have some swelling, redness, and pain where they were stung. But if you’ve ever felt dizzy, had trouble breathing, broken out in hives, or your throat started to close after a sting, that’s a sign of a more serious allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.

Stinging insect allergies can be dangerous, but the good news is—they’re treatable. At the allergy clinic, we can run simple tests to find out which insects you’re allergic to. If you are allergic, we’ll make a plan together to help keep you safe. This usually includes carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen or similar device), learning how to avoid stings, and possibly starting venom immunotherapy—a treatment that can actually train your body to stop reacting to strings over time.

You don’t have to live in fear of the next sting. If you’ve ever had a serious reaction—or aren’t sure what’s normal—please schedule a visit with an allergist. Knowing the facts and having a plan can be life-saving.

07/03/2025