Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California

Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California
By Beth Fhaner

If you’re like many in south Orange County who suffer from allergy and asthma-related conditions, relief is just around the corner at Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California. For more than 30 years, the group has been treating the local community for allergies, asthma, eczema, sinus problems, chronic cough and much more.

Founded in 1980 and under the current guidance of partners Dr. Warner Carr and Dr. William E. Berger, the practice is known for quality, leading-edge medical information in conjunction with thoughtful, unhurried care. With offices in San Clemente, Mission Viejoand Irvine, the nationally and internationally recognized physicians will treat you like a member of the family at a location close to home.

Dr. Warner W. Carr spent 17 years in the Army as a practicing physician and obtained his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He admits that he gravitated to the specialty of allergy and asthma care after noticing “the explosion of allergic diseases in our society.” When it comes to treating patients with allergies, Dr. Carr says that food allergies and environmental allergies are both extremely common conditions. After obtaining a patient’s history, performing a physical exam, and administering some tests, Dr. Carr and his staff are able to create a tailored treatment plan to alleviate some allergic symptoms. Strategies and medical therapies may include medication, allergy shots, avoidance to certain allergens, or a combination of treatments to achieve optimal results.

If you’re the parent of a school-aged child, you’ve certainly been introduced to peanut-free areas and the increased focus on food allergies in our institutions of learning and beyond. As food allergies in both children and adults are on the rise, it’s imperative that diet and environment are diligently monitored to avoid what could be a life-threatening situation. The primary culprits of food allergies in children are milk, eggs, and peanuts, although soy, wheat (gluten), fish and shellfish round-out the top 7 items.

If someone in your family suffers from an allergy to dust mites, the best approach is to tackle it at the source. Found on towels, pillows, matresses and carpeting, dust mites can be significantly reduced through vacuuming, dusting, decluttering and the use of dust mite covers. Parents of some of the children that Dr. Carr treats are concerned that their beloved stuffed animals may harbor dust mites. Rest assured, there’s no need to give Elmo the boot. Simply place the furry friend in a plastic bag and then in the freezer – problem solved.

Another area of concern for families and adults is exercise-induced asthma, which occurs in patients only when they’re physically active. According to Dr. Carr, exercise-induced asthma “is a very common condition we see in our practice.” Besides airway inflammation, this type of asthma may also cause patients’ muscles to get twitchy and narrow, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. “About 10 people per day die in the U.S. due to asthma. It breaks my heart because it is easily treated with appropriate management and medications that are very easy to carry and use as needed thereafter,” shares Dr. Carr.

With an extremely busy research center in Mission Viejo, the doctors at Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California are involved in cutting-edge research, clinical trials and testing for large pharmaceutical companies around the world. Additionally, Dr. Carr lectures worldwide and feels fortunate to teach allergists and primary care doctors on an international level. Commenting on his research studies, Dr. Carr notes, “We’re literally on the precipice of a breakthrough for food allergies, and one day we may even potentially cure diseases like asthma.” As a leader in his field, Dr. Carr considers himself blessed to have the opportunity to work on a local, regional, national, and international level. Above all, though, it’s the time Dr. Carr spends with his patients that he finds the most rewarding. “What keeps me refreshed and coming back is the relationships with the patients. There is nothing more fulfilling.”

November Cover Shoot of Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California