Also part of the UPMC family:
Allergies, an immune reaction to foreign substances called allergens, are generally harmless. When the immune system recognizes an allergen, it releases chemicals - such as histamines and leukotrienes - to fight it off, which may cause:
UPMC has a long tradition in immunology research and training.
Our specialists are trained in the study of how our bodies protect us from, and respond to, foreign macromolecules or invading organisms, such as:
The multidisciplinary team in UPMC’s Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, collaborate, both inside and outside of the Comprehensive Lung Center at UPMC, to treat:
Meet the allergy-immunology multidisciplinary team.
Our Experts and Area of Expertise:
Learn more about the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine.
At UPMC, the initial evaluation of people who are suspected to have allergies, asthma, or immunodeficiency, includes:
Allergies can cause symptoms that involve your:
The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritations to potentially life-threatening emergencies.
Immunodeficiency can cause recurrent infections of the:
The most prevalent adult immunodeficiency is common variable immunodeficiency, which can be treated with antibody infusions to boost the immune system to help fend off infections.
To help make a diagnosis, UPMC specialists may order the following tests and procedures:
While allergies or immune problems can't be cured, the experts at UPMC offer a number of specialized treatments to help relieve your symptoms.
Learn more about asthma treatments at the Comprehensive Lung Center.
