Allergy & Immune System Care

Immune System

When it comes to our own self-defense warrior, nothing really matches your body’s immune system. It’s biology at work, leading the charge against germs. Your immune system is also what your body relies on to fight infections.

But like any other system in your body, when your immunity is compromised, it can wreak havoc on your health. There are several types of immune-based diseases. Some, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are caused by a virus that damages your immune system. Immune-based diseases also occur when your body mistakenly attacks its own cells. The latter are called autoimmune diseases, and include conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Allergies

You may have particular times of the year when sneezing and sniffling—which is your body’s immune system reacting to environmental conditions—may become a daily occurrence. For many, annoying allergic reactions to environmental factors such as pollen equal itchy eyes and drippy noses. But allergies may also include life-threatening reactions to such diverse things as bee stings or nuts.

Immunology & Allergies at McFarland Clinic

We partner with the Allergy-Immunology specialists at McFarland Clinic to help both adults and children. We’re able to:

Evaluate and treat immunologic conditions
Evaluate and treat allergic diseases of the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin
Develop strategies for common conditions such as asthma, hay fever, hives, food allergies, and immune deficiencies

Your comprehensive diagnostic testing and treatment may include:

Skin testing and RAST for pollens, molds, animals, and foods
Testing for drug allergy and bee sting allergies
Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, if necessary

Treatment and Testing for Your Child’s Respiratory Condition

Unfortunately, some children have respiratory conditions; these may start as early as birth. Part of the McFarland Clinic Allergy-Immunology Department includes the Pediatric Pulmonology Department. Specialists are able to evaluate pediatric lung diseases, including:

asthma
cystic fibrosis
recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis
infant apnea (including home monitoring) and near miss SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome)

Available tests through the Pediatric Pulmonology Department include lung function testing, exercise inhalational challenge, eNO, and sweat testing. In addition, McFarland Clinic is a Cystic Fibrosis Center associated with the University of Iowa Cystic Fibrosis Center.

Learning More About Your Immune System and Your Allergies

If you have a compromised immune system or allergies, you’re searching for information that’s informative and reliable. You also need strategies for how you and your family can cope as well as how to improve your body’s responses.

The Allergy-Immunology department provides an education program that helps you understand your disease, control environmental factors when possible, and properly use your medications. We also provide patient asthma workshops and educational talks for healthcare providers.

The Immune System and Diseases