Allergy and Immunology

The University of Chicago Medicine provides expert care for allergic reactions, asthma and immune disorders in adults, including:

Seasonal and environmental allergies, also called allergic rhinitis or hay fever
Food allergy and food intolerances
Asthma
Atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis
Angioedema and anaphylaxis
Drug allergy
Stinging insect allergy
Immunodeficiency, including common variable immunodeficiency

Our team also provides specialized allergy and immunology care for infants, children and teens.

Advanced Allergy and Immunology Care for Adults

Our allergist/immunologists and our dedicated nurse practitioner have extensive experience in assessing symptoms and diagnosing allergic and immunologic diseases with expertise. Your care team will pinpoint your triggers (whenever possible), create a customized treatment plan and help you learn how to minimize exposure and manage symptoms.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Common symptoms of allergies may include:

Stuffy or runny nose
Sneezing
Itching in ears or roof of the mouth
Red, itchy, watery eyes
Red, itchy, dry skin
Hives or itchy welts (urticaria)
Itchy rash
Swelling of the throat or within layers of skin tissue (angioedema)
Asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing
Anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening reaction

Signs and Symptoms of Primary Immunodeficiency

Two or more new ear and/or sinus infections within one year
Recurrent pneumonia
Chronic diarrhea and weight loss
Frequent viral infections (cold, herpes, warts, condyloma)
Needing intravenous (IV) antibiotics to clear infections
Recurrent, deep abscesses of the skin or internal organs
Persistent thrush or other fungal infections
Infections with normally harmless bacteria
A family history of primary immunodeficiency

Allergy/Immunology Testing

Allergy/Immunology Treatment

Depending on your diagnosis, treatment options may include:

Medications, such as antihistamines, biologics, steroids or immunoglobulin replacement
Environmental modifications
Allergen immunotherapy (food and inhalant allergies)
Allergen avoidance and emergency exposure plans

In the most complex cases, our allergist/immunologists partner with experts in infectious disease, hematology and other specialties to create and manage treatment plans for immune disorders.

Meet Our Allergists and Immunologists

Christina E. Ciaccio, MD, MSc

Allergy and Immunology

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-888-824-0200 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

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