Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. In pulmonary arterial hypertension, the pulmonary arteries constrict abnormally, forcing the heart to work harder and causing blood pressure within the lungs to rise.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension worsens over time and can be life threatening if the pressure in the patient’s pulmonary arteries rises to dangerously high levels. Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension do not usually occur until the condition has progressed. The first symptom of pulmonary hypertension is usually shortness of breath with everyday activities, such as climbing stairs. Fatigue, dizziness, and fainting spells also can be symptoms. Swelling in the ankles, abdomen or legs; bluish lips and skin, and chest pain may occur as strain on the heart increases. Symptoms range in severity and a given patient may not have all of the symptoms.
Treatment: There is no cure for pulmonary arterial hypertension, but there are several treatment options including medication and surgery. Our physicians specialize in treating pulmonary hypertension.
Allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system. People who have allergies have an immune system that reacts to a usually harmless substance in the environment. This substance (pollen, mold, and animal dander, for example) is called an allergen. Allergies are a very common problem, affecting at least two out of every 10 Americans.
In office testing: Skin prick test – this test is done by placing a drop of a solution containing a possible allergen on the skin, and a series of scratches or needle pricks allows the solution to enter the skin. If the skin develops a red, raised itchy area (called a wheal), it usually means that the person is allergic to that allergen. This is called a positive reaction.
Other lab testing methods, such as radioallergosorbent testing (RAST) or an immunoassay capture test (ImmunoCAP, UniCAP, or Pharmacia CAP), may be used to provide more information.
Treatment: Your allergy test results may show that allergy treatment is a choice for you. There are several allergy treatment options. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can ease annoying symptoms. Allergy shots also help.