Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Palos Verdes Medical Group offers a wide range of services for the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma in children and adults.
An asthma and/or allergy consultation is typically requested by your primary care physician when he or she determines that you or your child may have asthma and/or allergies. This may include situations where you or your regular physician suggests you have a second opinion.
The initial consultation often involves a physical examination, a review of patient records and medical history, and possible diagnostic testing.
We also specialize in diagnosing and treating food allergies. Click here to read about the oral food challenges we offer!
INSURANCE AND BILLING
We accept most PPO’s and HMO’s through HealthCare Partners. Please call or email us for information specific to your insurance company and plan. For billing inquiries, please contact Stephanie Mason or call 310-372-0123.
Tackling Food Allergies
Whether you have been living with food allergy for years or have not been diagnosed, PVMG can help!
Allergies:
Testing
Dr. Sher will review your signs and symptoms and possibly run a variety of tests to help identify your specific allergies.
These tests may include:
- Skin tests
- Blood tests (radioallergosorbent, IgE specific test)
- Rhinoscopy
There are many different options available to treat your allergies and Dr. Sher will help you choose the best option for you. Treatment plans will always include close monitoring, follow-ups and making any necessary changes along the way.
Allergy treatment may include one or more of the following:
- Medications (immediate acting and/or preventative)
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
- Emergency epinephrine
- Natural allergy relief (Allergen avoidance and/or reducing exposure)
Asthma:
Testing
Dr. Sher will review your signs and symptoms and run a variety of tests to measure your lung function.
These tests may include:
- Pulmonary function test
- Spirometry
- Peak flow
- Nitric oxide test
- Methacholine challenge
- Exercise-induced challenge test
After determining the level of severity, Dr. Sher will be able to help you choose the best treatment option for you. Dr. Sher will also work with you to develop an asthma action plan that outlines specific instructions for what to do in the event your asthma symptoms increase/decrease, when to take certain medications and how to prevent your asthma from getting worse. Dr. Sher will also help you identify your asthma triggers and the steps you should take in order to avoid them. Treatment plans will always include close monitoring, follow-ups, and making any necessary changes along the way.
Asthma treatment may include one or more of the following:
- Medications (long-term control and/or quick-relief)
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
- Allergy medications (for the treatment of allergy-induced asthma)
We kindly ask that you do not take any medications containing antihistamines for at least 7 days prior to your first allergy visit. These medications may interfere with allergy testing. Feel free to contact our office if you need clarification on which medications to discontinue. If your symptoms are intolerable without these medications, please continue to take them and other accommodations will be made.