Offering advanced testing and treatment options for eosinophilic diseases.
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When you hear the word "allergy," you might immediately think of sneezing, itchy eyes, or a runny nose. However, modern allergists go far beyond treating these common symptoms. At Modena Allergy & Asthma, one of our key focuses is diagnosing and treating eosinophilic diseases—some of the most prevalent immune system disorders we encounter.
These conditions include hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), severe eosinophilic asthma, eosinophilic pneumonia, eosinophilic skin rashes, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), and eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs), such as eosinophilic gastritis (EoG), enteritis (EoN), and colitis (EoC).
Our team of allergists and immunologists is highly skilled in identifying and managing eosinophilic and other inflammatory conditions. If you have been diagnosed with—or suspect you may have—an eosinophilic immune disorder, our specialists are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about these conditions and how we can support your journey to better health.
If you are struggling with undiagnosed or difficult-to-manage conditions such as chronic sinus disease, asthma, eczema, or gastrointestinal issues, it may be time to consult an allergy specialist. At Modena Allergy & Asthma, patients with eosinophilic diseases receive highly personalized care from our expert team. We often uncover rare or overlooked diagnoses that other physicians may miss through in-depth consultations, comprehensive examinations, and advanced diagnostic testing.
Our team includes leaders in genomic and genetic research who are committed to finding the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for every patient. We incorporate innovative tools, such as investigational or targeted gene sequencing, into our approach when needed.
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell, also known as immune cells, that play a role in the body’s defense against infections. While their exact function is not fully understood, eosinophils are thought to contribute to infection regulation and wound healing. Historically, eosinophils were crucial in fighting parasitic infections in the gut and lungs. However, in developed countries like the U.S., parasitic infections are rare, and low eosinophil levels generally have little to no impact on overall health.
Problems arise when eosinophils multiply excessively, invading tissues and causing significant damage. When they infiltrate the lungs, they can lead to conditions such as eosinophilic pneumonia, severe eosinophilic asthma, or eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), all of which make breathing difficult and can cause long-term complications.
Collectively, these conditions are known as eosinophilic diseases. When eosinophils invade tissues, they trigger inflammation and damage that affect different parts of the body. In the esophagus, they can cause difficulty swallowing or even food impaction. In the gastrointestinal tract, they may result in bloating, pain, discomfort, and diarrhea. Eosinophils can cause airway narrowing, permanent structural changes, and breathing issues in the lungs. High levels of eosinophils are especially common in individuals with asthma, chronic sinusitis, or nasal polyps.
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) is a rare condition characterized by the overproduction of eosinophils, a specific type of white blood cell. When eosinophils accumulate in the body’s tissues, they can cause significant damage and lead to serious health issues.
Eosinophils are immune cells that historically helped the body fight parasitic infections, such as intestinal worms. However, in modern times, where parasitic infections are rare, eosinophils are more commonly associated with inflammatory conditions like eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases, asthma, nasal polyps, sinusitis, and chronic skin rashes. Since people with naturally low eosinophil levels don’t appear to have an increased risk of infections, eosinophils often cause more harm than benefit today.
HES can affect various organs, including the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, heart, blood, and nervous system. If left untreated, this condition can progress to become life-threatening, making early diagnosis and treatment critical.
Before your first visit, it’s essential that we review any previous medical records, including doctor’s notes, lab results, or imaging studies. Having access to this information allows for a more productive conversation with the doctor, helps streamline the diagnostic process, and, in some cases, may even lead to a different and more accurate diagnosis.
To facilitate this, we ask all patients to complete a Medical Release Form, which will be sent to your email. Once signed, we will handle the request by faxing it to your previous provider and coordinating with their office to obtain your records.
From there, Modena Allergy & Asthma may order specialized labs, imaging, or allergy skin testing for a thorough evaluation. At your follow-up appointment, typically scheduled within 1-2 weeks, our team will review all your results in detail and work with you to develop a clear, personalized treatment plan moving forward.
Certain conditions, such as asthma, drug reactions, parasitic infections, and atopic diseases, can lead to an overproduction of eosinophils. These are referred to as "secondary" causes. Therefore, the first step in managing high eosinophil levels is to identify and treat any underlying secondary cause, such as a parasitic infection.
The next consideration is whether treatment is necessary or if the patient can be monitored without intervention. If treatment is required, steroids and Nucala® (mepolizumab) are commonly used for managing primary (idiopathic) Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES). Depending on the specific type of HES and the individual’s response to steroids, other treatments such as Glivec® (imatinib), hydroxyurea, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, benralizumab, or interferon-alpha may also be utilized. Each treatment approach is carefully tailored to the patient’s condition and needs.
If you have been diagnosed with an eosinophilic disease or are struggling with unresolved sinus or lung symptoms, the experts at Modena Allergy & Asthma can help. Schedule an appointment today, and let us provide you with personalized care to manage your condition effectively.
In the past decade, the medical field has made remarkable advancements in the development of highly specific and targeted monoclonal antibody therapies. While our bodies naturally produce antibodies to fight infections by binding to harmful agents like viruses and bacteria, scientists have harnessed technology to engineer antibodies that target specific parts of the immune system. This breakthrough approach helps reduce inflammation and effectively treat various diseases.
For eosinophilic diseases, monoclonal antibody therapies are now available to specifically target and lower eosinophil levels in the body. These treatments have been shown to be safer and more effective than steroids, which have long been the primary option for managing these conditions. Additionally, monoclonal antibody therapies have expanded to address other inflammatory conditions, including eczema, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and asthma, by targeting different parts of the immune system.
At Modena Allergy & Asthma, we customize treatment plans to meet your unique needs. With thorough testing and a clear understanding of your condition, we can identify the most effective therapies to control your symptoms and restore your health, so you can get back to living your life to the fullest!
Recovery from eosinophilic diseases is a highly personalized process and can differ significantly from one individual to another. For some, recovery may be relatively swift, while for others, the focus is on managing flare-ups and achieving long-term remission through tailored treatment plans. If you are living with an eosinophilic disease, consulting with our allergy specialists can help you make informed decisions and create a treatment strategy that works best for your unique needs.
For eosinophilic and other inflammatory diseases, advanced antibody therapies have been designed to specifically target and reduce eosinophil levels in the body. These innovative treatments have shown to be significantly safer and more effective than steroids, which have been the standard treatment for decades. At our practice, we’ve witnessed remarkable outcomes with these and other targeted therapies. While individual responses to treatment can vary, we are confident in our ability to help you achieve meaningful relief and improved quality of life.
At Modena Allergy & Asthma, our team brings over a decade of experience in treating and researching allergic and eosinophilic disorders. Our cutting-edge research has explored areas like the microbiome, genetics, inflammatory biomarkers, and the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence to advance personalized medical therapies.
We are at the forefront of innovation, leading efforts to better understand and treat eosinophilic disorders through groundbreaking research. For patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), we also offer the unique opportunity to participate in a new clinical trial, furthering both treatment options and hope for long-term relief.
Eosinophils are white blood cells that help fight infections, but when overproduced, they can cause inflammation and tissue damage, leading to eosinophilic diseases.
These therapies target specific proteins or immune cells responsible for eosinophilic inflammation, reducing eosinophil levels and alleviating symptoms.
Yes, monoclonal antibody therapies are generally safer and more effective than steroids, with fewer long-term side effects.
Antihistamines are effective for relieving symptoms like an itchy nose or skin reactions but are not used for managing eosinophilic or other inflammatory conditions.
The frequency of treatment depends on the specific therapy but typically ranges from every 2 to 8 weeks.
While results vary, many patients notice improvement in their symptoms within weeks to months of starting treatment.
Side effects are typically mild and may include injection site reactions or fatigue. Severe reactions are rare but will be monitored closely.
In some cases, dietary changes, other medications, or lifestyle adjustments may complement antibody therapy for optimal results.
For many eosinophilic conditions, it remains unclear whether antibody therapies can provide a permanent cure or lead to long-term remission. However, these treatments are typically safer and more effective than alternatives like steroids. With accurate and timely intervention, we can often prevent lasting damage while relieving unwanted symptoms, helping you regain control of your health.