Allergies occur when a patient's immune system makes antibodies against an otherwise harmless foreign substance called an allergen, triggering the release of inflammatory cells and chemicals which are responsible for the disabling symptoms we call allergies.

Severity ranges from minor irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Allergic reactions can occur immediately, weeks or months after exposure; with first or subsequent exposure; and change as we age.

 The best way to control allergies is to eliminate as many allergens from your environment as possible. Antihistamines, decongestants and anti-inflammatories are also often used. Desensitization injections are given year-round for known allergens, and epinephrine pen injections are used in the most severe reactions.

If you have allergies and are considering medical treatment, you should work with a physician to map out the safest, most appropriate solution with the least side effects.

To discuss your allergies with Dr. Delcham or her associates in the St. Tammany Physicians Network, call 985-871-5900 in Covington or 985-626-1717 in Mandeville.

St. Tammany Physicians Network will expand primary care services mid-2012 with the opening of a Madisonville office at 1520 Hwy. 22 West, between the town limits and parish line.

The new location will specialize in family medicine, including pediatrics and internal medicine. As with other STPN locations, the board-certified physicians at the Madisonville office will have full access to the resources of St. Tammany Parish Hospital, from laboratory services and radiology to home health, respiratory care and physical therapy. Services at the new site will include appointments for acute care, chronic illness and yearly physicals for work, school and sports.

The Madisonville location will expand the existing reach of the network, which already has physician offices in Covington and Mandeville. A Franklinton primary care practice likewise brings world-class care to STPH's patients from Washington Parish.

Physicians Arlette Delcham MD, family medicine, and Jennifer Miles MD, pediatrics/internal medicine, will open the new Madisonville office, which will ultimately be a practice of four physicians.