Sidhu Allergy is proud to be recognized as one of the region’s leading providers of specialty care for asthma, allergies and immune system disorders. We offer the most advanced diagnostic and treatment services, with personalized care plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient.
Millions of Americans suffer from an array of seasonal and chronic asthma, allergy and sinus conditions that with proper intervention, can be effectively managed to minimize symptoms and suffering. Our staff is also trained to evaluate and treat food, drug and insect-related allergies. It is our sincere desire that each of our patients will experience relief from the symptoms that bother them and take away from their enjoyment of life.
Sidhu Allergy offers a wide variety of services for adults and children, making us a convenient choice for the whole family. We pride ourselves on understanding the concerns of you and your family and endeavor to provide compassionate care along with customized treatment and symptom management plans to allow residents of the Valley to live life to the fullest.
At Sidhu Allergy, your well-being is our chief concern. Because we are a small practice, you are guaranteed continuity of care with the same provider at each visit, unlike larger providers where you may see a different physician at each visit. Our patients are at the center of everything that we do.
Dr. Sidhu carefully reviews the medical histories of each patient and dedicates time to perform a thorough evaluation to ensure that the care plan recommended fits into the overall comprehensive medical plan for each patient.
Dr. Sidhu and his staff are grateful that you have chosen to consider our practice as a trusted care provider. Below are the services that we offer; please click each description to learn more about the condition or treatment option. We hope to see you soon in one of our three convenient offices in Fresno, Hanford or Visalia.
Asthma is a chronic lung condition which causes narrowing and inflammation of the airways. Symptoms of asthma are wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. Asthma affects people of all ages, though it commonly begins in childhood. With proper prevention and treatment measures, asthma can be managed well.
A chronic cough is a cough that persists for eight weeks or more. Chronic cough most frequently arises due to postnasal drip, asthma and acid reflux. Treatment for chronic cough is aimed at eliminating the underlying cause.
Chronic (recurrent) bronchitis is a long-term respiratory illness that causes an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. This inflammation results in a build-up of mucus in the airways, causing breathing difficulties and a heavy cough that produces mucus from the lungs. Smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis. This disease can be managed through medical treatment and lifestyle changes.
Atopic dermatitis is type of eczema which causes itchy, red, swollen and cracked skin. It typically affects the insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face, but can cover most of the body. Atopic dermatitis most commonly appears in infants and children, though many people outgrow the condition as they get older. The cause is not known, but seems to have a genetic link and is often seen in people who have a family history of the condition.
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin which causes redness and intense itching. Often, due to scratching, the dry skin may bleed, making the inflammation worse. Eczema can appear anywhere on the body. Regular bathing in warm (not hot) water, followed by immediate application of a gentle moisturizer can help keep the skin hydrated. Over-the-counter and prescription remedies can also be helpful to calm the skin during a flare-up.
Hives, also known as urticaria, are raised itchy bumps that are either red or skin-colored. Hives can be triggered by many things; some of the most common triggers are foods such as peanuts or shellfish, medications, insect bites, latex, pet dander and pollen. Hives often appear in clusters, and can appear very suddenly. They may last up to 24 hours.
Chronic sinusitis occurs when the sinuses are swollen and inflamed for at least eight weeks, despite treatment attempts. A build-up of mucus makes breathing difficult and can cause pain and tenderness in the face and around the eyes. Sometimes, chronic sinusitis is caused by an infection, but it can also be caused by nasal polyps or a deviated nasal septum. Medications may be prescribed to help relieve sinusitis symptoms.
Sinus headaches are characterized by pain in the sinuses, around the eyes, cheeks or forehead. Pain is often worse when lying down or leaning forward. Sinus headaches are sometimes mistaken for migraine headaches, and vice-versa.
Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that form in the nose or sinuses. Larger nasal polyps can prevent proper draining of the sinuses, causing mucus to build up in the sinuses, which can lead to an infection. People with nasal polyps are at an increased risk for chronic sinusitis. Typically, nasal polyps can be treated or removed with medication or surgery, though they do have a tendency to recur, so continued therapy is often necessary.
Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an extremely common condition which causes sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, or itchy eyes, skin or mouth. Allergic rhinitis is caused when the body’s immune system overreacts to something in the environment. Seasonal allergic rhinitis typically occurs in the spring, early summer and fall, and is caused by pollens from trees, grass and weeds, or by airborne mold spores. Allergic rhinitis can also be caused by dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, mold, and other irritants such as perfume and cigarette smoke.
Nonallergic rhinitis symptoms are similar to those of allergic rhinitis, characterized by sneezing, headaches and a stuffy or drippy nose. Triggers range from odors in the air, to temperature or atmospheric changes, to smoke and other irritants. The exact cause of nonallergic rhinitis is unknown. Nasal sprays and decongestants may be used to treat nonallergic rhinitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye due to allergies. When exposed to triggers such as dust, pollen or mold spores, the eyes become red, watery and itchy. Avoiding triggers helps to prevent this condition, but medicines and eye drops may also be recommended for treatment.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is most commonly triggered by food, insect stings, medications and latex, and the reaction can be triggered within seconds or minutes of exposure. Symptoms include a skin rash, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing and shock. Anaphylaxis requires immediate emergency treatment.
A drug allergy is an abnormal reaction to a medication. Symptoms vary, but the most common symptoms are hives, fever and rash. Any medication that causes an allergic reaction should be discontinued and avoided in the future. In some cases, desensitization to the medicine may be achieved through allergy shots.
A food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs after a certain food is eaten. Even a very small amount of a triggering food can cause a reaction. The foods most commonly responsible for allergic reactions are cow’s milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts and wheat. Food allergies commonly arise in children, though may appear in adulthood. Children may grow out of food allergies.
A latex allergy is an allergy to proteins found in natural rubber latex, and can be triggered by coming in contact with latex gloves. Latex allergies can be mild or severe, with symptoms ranging from itching and skin redness to sneezing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. The only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid latex.
While rare, some people experience an allergic reaction to local aesthetics used for dental procedures. A rash or swelling at the site of administration may occur. Very rarely, a reaction to a local anesthetic may produce hives (urticaria) or anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).
Primary immune disorders arise from a genetic defect in the immune system. Individuals with a primary immune disorder are often suspect to allergies and asthma, and can experience recurrent respiratory tract infections (infections in the lungs, sinuses, ears, nose, throat), which can be managed with the help of an allergist.
Patch testing is a type of allergy testing that is done to reveal whether a certain substance causes an allergic skin irritation. Allergens are applied to the arms or back and covered with patches, which are worn for up to 48 hours. When the patches are removed by the allergist, they may reveal irritated skin which indicates an allergy.
Lung function testing assesses how well your lungs work. A spirometric lung function tests how much and how quickly you can move air out of your lungs, by breathing into a mouthpiece that records the volume of air you breathe out. Lung function testing is useful in diagnosing certain lung conditions such as asthma.
An exhaled nitric oxide test measures the amount of nitric oxide in your breath when you breathe into the mouthpiece of a machine that measures nitric oxide levels. This painless test can help diagnose asthma. To ensure accurate results, you should avoid using an inhaler, eating and drinking, exercising, and using tobacco, toothpaste or mouthwash products for the two hours before your test.
A stinging insect allergy is an allergic reaction to the venom in an insect’s sting. While most people experience redness, swelling and itching after being stung, those with a stinging insect allergy may experience a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis, with symptoms including itching, hives, swelling in the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea or stomach cramps. If stung, the stinger should be removed immediately, to prevent release of additional venom into the body. In the case of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), 911 should be called immediately, or the individual should be taken to the emergency room. Injectable epinephrine (epi-pens) may be prescribed to carry for individuals who experience severe allergic reactions to insect stings.
One way of testing for allergies is by allergy skin prick testing or intradermal skin testing. Allergy skin prick testing is completed with small plastic applicators similar to toothpicks. Each applicator is dipped in a different allergen and then used to lightly scratch the superficial layer of skin. Many different allergens can be tested for at one time using the skin prick method. The process may be slightly uncomfortable but is rarely painful. A positive reaction to an allergen is often itchy and is seen within 15-20 minutes. For some patients, a secondary type of skin testing may be recommended, called intradermal skin testing. In intradermal skin testing, a small amount of liquid allergen is injected with a needle just under the skin. Intradermal skin testing is not necessary for all patients and depends on the age of the patient and the concerns and symptoms of the patient.
Some patients may benefit from a blood test which checks to see if a person is allergic to a particular allergen. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) are antibodies which are produced by the immune system in response to an allergen. IgE antibodies are unique to a particular allergen, so a blood test to check for a specific IgE antibody can reveal whether an allergy is present. Serum IgE allergy testing may be used to check for allergies to specific suspected allergens without having to expose the patient to the allergen itself through a skin test.
Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, are a long-term treatment method that decreases your sensitivity to specific allergens over time which cause allergic rhinitis, asthma, allergic conjunctivitis or stinging insect allergy. The allergens that are targeted are identified by allergy testing. Allergy shots deliver small doses of the allergen or allergens you are allergic to, so that over time, your body builds up a tolerance to those allergen.