Services Offered

An accurate diagnosis is the first step in managing childhood allergy and immunology problems. Our pediatric specialists can provide a complete evaluation that includes:

• Allergen skin testing
• Blood testing
• Bronchial provocation testing
• Immune function testing
• Lung function testing
• Psychosocial evaluation and support, if needed

Following a comprehensive assessment, our team will build an individualized treatment program with your primary care pediatrician. Your child's treatment may include medication, environmental modification, allergen immunotherapy, or other therapies, and ongoing follow-up. We provide these options--as well as education and support--to ensure that your child stays as healthy as possible.

Our team is also available to educate your family so that you can effectively manage your child's condition at home. We provide tools and resources to help you and your child avoid allergy triggers or manage other problems that may aggravate the condition, such as pollen, dust mites, smoke, or pets.

Asthma Center

Comprehensive care is available for patients of all ages through the University of Chicago Asthma Center and at La Rabida Children's Hospital. The center's community of asthma experts works together on research, education, and clinical care to offer solutions to the growing problem of asthma, particularly among children in urban neighborhoods.

Community Asthma Program

The University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital physicians also provide asthma screening, education, and support through a program based at La Rabida Children's Hospital. The Community Asthma Program has been successful at expanding teacher and parent awareness of asthma and promoting communication among doctors, families, and schools.

Food Allergy Evaluations Program

Food allergies are a common and very frustrating condition for the child and family. Our approach is based on a careful history and appropriate allergy testing. We combine this information to develop an avoidance and emergency plan to prevent food reactions and to treat them when they occur. We include input from skilled nutritionists, who have expertise in the management of food allergies.

Homeward Bound Unit

Caring Comer physicians help prepare ventilator-dependent children for the home care environment at an eight-bed Homeward Bound Unit located at La Rabida. Since it opened in 1986, the unit has enabled nearly 200 children on ventilators to transition their care into a home environment. Patients benefit from expert care, with access to the full range of specialists and other resources available at Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. A unique multispecialty clinic at La Rabida provides follow-up care for these children as well as those who are discharged from other institutions.

Immune Defects

Inborn errors of immune function are among the most complex problems in pediatric medicine. Children with these conditions require an individualized approach that involves several disciplines. We integrate the child's care with infectious disease and hematology specialists to develop and maintain the best approach for each child.