Clinical Program

Yale faculty physicians in the Section of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology are dedicated to the diagnosis and management of allergic and immunologic diseases through coordinated programs of clinical care and clinical research focused on advancing treatment and quality of life for people with allergies, asthma, secondary immune deficiencies and related conditions.

We provide consultative clinical care for patients with Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (nasal and eye allergies), asthma, urticaria (hives), medication allergy, chronic sinusitis, angioedema, hereditary angioneurotic edema, common variable immunodeficiency, and primary immunodeficiencies.

Specialized Care Programs

Aspirin Desensitization Program: Yale serves as the premier aspirin desensitization center in Connecticut. Our staff, Dr. Hsu, is experienced in performing outpatient aspirin desensitization for patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, also known as Samter’s triad, or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and aspirin-sensitive asthma. Clinical trials are also ongoing for treatment of patients with severe nasal polyposis.
Autoimmune Diseases Related to Cancer Immunotherapy: Smilow Cancer Hospital has a clinical program for patients experiencing side effects or immune-related adverse events resulting from treatment with cancer immunotherapy. Patients with autoimmune diseases who anticipate beginning treatment for cancer are also advised to seek a consultation. Dr. Christina Price, Assistant Professor of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, leads the clinic and collaborates with each patient's oncologist and care team to ensure streamlined care.
Contact Dermatitis Program: The Yale Allergy & Immunology Contact Dermatitis Program exists to advance the diagnosis and care of patients with allergic skin diseases. One of the most common causes of dermatitis is allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), caused by a substance in personal care products or medication or even the diet that elicits an immune reaction with often chronic and sometimes debilitating symptoms. Identification of the offending allergen is key to rapid diagnosis and avoidance in ACD. Patch testing is the gold standard in allergen identification and usually involves three visits over the course of one week. The first visit is for the placement of individual allergens with hypoallergenic tape that remain in place for two days, followed by a second visit where the allergens are removed and a preliminary evaluation performed. A third, and sometimes even a fourth visit may happen from 3-7 days after placement depending on observed reactions. These results are used in conjunction with an expert initial consultation where the history of past reactions and product or medication use is taken. We have the ability to test to a wide variety of allergens, including profession specific allergens such cosmetic and health care exposures, as well as specific products brought in my patients for testing.
Penicillin Allergy in Pregnancy Program: Yale Allergy & Immunology in collaboration with Maternal Fetal Medicine has developed a program to address penicillin allergies in pregnancy. This program is under the direction of

Dr. Jason Kwah with Allergy & Immunology and Dr. Moeun Son with Maternal Fetal Medicine. This comprehensive program includes the education of obstetric providers at Yale regarding evaluation of penicillin allergy in pregnancy and an algorithm for penicillin allergy testing if indicated. In addition, quality improvement and observational research is being conducted in order to optimize patient care.

We are devoted to improving patient care through advances in quality measures and doctor-patient communication. Our physicians work closely with other specialists at Yale and Yale-New Haven Hospital to provide care for patients with complex rheumatic and autoimmune diseases.

Outpatient services are offered in the Center for Immune Disorders at the North Haven Medical Center and Yale Old Saybrook Medical Center. All facilities offer a full array of imaging and laboratory services, and access to state-of-the-art infusion centers.