Allegheny Health Network (AHN) has opened a new clinic at the AHN North Fayette Health + Wellness Pavilion. The facility, named the ‘AHN Center for Asthma, Allergy and Eosinophilic Lung Diseases,’ aims to provide specialized care for patients with complex asthma, allergies, and related conditions. The center offers advanced therapies as part of personalized treatment plans for those who have not found success with standard treatments.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, over 100 million people in the United States suffer from asthma and/or allergies. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the airways, which can be exacerbated by allergies. Effective management of these conditions is crucial due to their association with frequent emergency visits and hospitalizations.
“Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions and certain infections,” said Tariq Cheema, MD, division chief of pulmonary, critical care, sleep, and allergy medicine at AHN Medicine Institute. Dr. Cheema emphasized that when first-line treatments fail, more comprehensive care is necessary.
“Severe cases of these chronic diseases can significantly interfere with everyday activities and overall quality of life,” stated Dr. Cheema. “From one location, we are pleased to offer the most advanced therapeutics for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma, allergies and other related lung diseases to help patients more effectively manage their symptoms and get back to living active, fulfilling lives.”
The center is led by specialists Billie Barker, MD; Adeel Nasrullah, MD; and Thomas Makin, MD. They work alongside a team trained in therapeutics to deliver patient-centered care using advanced testing methods such as breathing tests and CT scans.
In addition to clinical services, the clinic will function as a research hub focusing on understanding asthma and allergies better. Research efforts will aim at identifying factors influencing disease progression and evaluating current therapies’ effectiveness.
Patients interested in accessing services at the AHN Center should schedule an appointment through their AHN primary care physician or specialist by calling (412) DOCTORS or using MyChart. Referrals will be provided if deemed beneficial by their physician.
