Allergy and Immunology

The Allergy Division is involved in a few different projects in different areas of the allergy field.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are presently on the rise in this country. The literature suggests that birth date can play a role with the prevalence of peanut/nut allergies. We are presently involved in a project looking into birth date and the development of peanut/nut allergies. The Epi Pen is an emergency injection used to treat anaphylaxis. We are also researching the appropriate prescribing and education of the Epi Pen by clinicians.

Hereditary Angioneurotic edema (HAE)

HAE is a disease that effects approximately one in 50,000 individuals. Patients present with sudden swelling that effect the larynx, abdomen, face and extremities. Fatalities do occur. Unfortunately there is no approved medication that is effective in treating an acute attack. We are working on a clinical trial in conjunction with the Dermatology Department to see if Icatiban, an anti-bradykinin drug, can treat an acute attack.

Asthma

It is estimated that approximately one in four children living in New York City has had asthma symptoms. We are working with the pulmonary division on two separate projects. Fist we are investigating whether sensitivity to indoor allergens correlates with increased use of the emergency department. The second project investigates the correlation of compliance and various treatment plans with asthma symptoms.