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Service
Expert evaluation and ongoing care for severe allergic reactions, helping you identify triggers, confirm allergies with testing, and prepare emergency action plans.
This service is for anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction or is at risk of anaphylaxis due to food allergies, insect stings, certain medications, latex, or exercise-related triggers. It is also for families and individuals who want a clear prevention plan and confidence in handling emergencies.
Care includes identifying your triggers through history and appropriate allergy testing, and learning when and how to use emergency epinephrine. You will receive guidance on creating an emergency action plan, carrying prescribed epinephrine, avoiding exposures, and considering immunotherapy for insect sting allergy when appropriate.
At Allergy Asthma, we understand how scary anaphylaxis can be. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can happen quickly and may become life-threatening. It can affect breathing, blood pressure, and multiple parts of the body at the same time. If you or a loved one has had a serious allergic reaction, or you are at risk because of food allergies, insect stings, or certain medications, it is important to have a clear plan and the right prevention tools. (1–3)
Our practice, conveniently located across New York, serves patients not only from Washington Heights but also from surrounding areas like Hamilton Heights, Staten Island, and Brooklyn (Bay Ridge). Anaphylaxis care often includes identifying triggers, confirming allergies with appropriate testing, and helping patients understand when and how to use emergency medication such as epinephrine. The goal is to reduce risk, improve preparedness, and help you feel more confident in everyday life using evidence-based options. (1–4)
Anaphylaxis is a rapid, severe allergic reaction that can affect the whole body. It happens when the immune system overreacts to a trigger and releases chemicals that can cause swelling, trouble breathing, and a drop in blood pressure. (1, 2)
A simple way to think about it is: anaphylaxis is not “just allergies.” It is an emergency allergic reaction that needs fast action.
Anaphylaxis can be triggered by different allergens, and triggers can vary by person. Some of the most common triggers include:
Foods, especially peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish (2, 3)
Insect stings, such as bees and wasps (1, 2)
Medications, including certain antibiotics and pain medications (1, 2)
Latex, in some patients (2)
Exercise-related anaphylaxis, sometimes linked with certain foods or conditions (2, 3)
In some cases, a clear trigger is not found. This is sometimes called idiopathic anaphylaxis. (2)
Anaphylaxis symptoms often start quickly and can worsen fast. Not everyone has the same symptoms, but common signs include:
Trouble breathing, wheezing, or coughing
Throat tightness or trouble swallowing
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
Hives, itching, or flushing
Stomach symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or severe cramps
Dizziness, fainting, or feeling weak due to low blood pressure (1–3)
If symptoms involve breathing problems, fainting, or rapid worsening, treat it as an emergency.
The first-line emergency treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine. Epinephrine is a medication that helps open airways, raise blood pressure, and reduce swelling. It is typically given using an auto-injector. (1–3)
Key points patients are often taught include:
Use epinephrine right away if anaphylaxis is suspected
Do not wait to see if symptoms “go away”
Call emergency services after giving epinephrine
A second dose may be needed in some situations if symptoms continue or return (1, 2)
Antihistamines may help itching or hives, but they do not replace epinephrine for anaphylaxis. (1, 2)
Prevention focuses on reducing exposure to triggers and being prepared. Depending on your history, prevention steps may include:
Identifying triggers through history and appropriate allergy testing (2, 3)
Carrying prescribed epinephrine and knowing when to use it (1–3)
Reading food labels carefully and asking about ingredients when eating out
Creating an emergency action plan for home, school, and work (2, 3)
Considering allergen immunotherapy for insect sting allergy when clinically appropriate (2, 4)
Having a plan can help reduce anxiety and improve safety in daily life.
At Allergy Asthma, we provide patient-centered evaluation and ongoing care for patients with a history of anaphylaxis or concern for severe allergic reactions. Our goal is to help you understand your triggers, learn practical prevention steps, and feel prepared with clear guidance and evidence-based options.
Whether you live in Washington Heights or nearby communities such as Hamilton Heights, Staten Island, and Brooklyn (Bay Ridge), our team is committed to supporting patients and families with compassionate care and education focused on safety, preparedness, and confidence.
Simons, F. E. R., Ardusso, L. R. F., Bilò, M. B., El-Gamal, Y. M., Ledford, D. K., Ring, J., … World Allergy Organization. (2011). World Allergy Organization guidelines for the assessment and management of anaphylaxis. World Allergy Organization Journal, 4(2), 13–37.
Muraro, A., Roberts, G., Worm, M., Bilò, M. B., Brockow, K., Fernández Rivas, M., … EAACI Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines Group. (2014). Anaphylaxis: Guidelines from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Allergy, 69(8), 1026–1045.
Shaker, M. S., Wallace, D. V., Golden, D. B. K., Oppenheimer, J., Bernstein, J. A., Campbell, R. L., … Lang, D. M. (2020). Anaphylaxis: A 2020 practice parameter update. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 145(4), 1082–1123.
Golden, D. B. K., Moffitt, J., Nicklas, R. A., Freeman, T., Graft, D. F., Reisman, R. E., … Bernstein, D. I. (2011). Stinging insect hypersensitivity: A practice parameter update. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 127(4), 852–854.