I provide specialist assessment and management for a wide range of immune and allergic conditions. If you're unsure whether your condition falls within my scope, your GP is welcome to contact my rooms to discuss.

Allergy

Allergic conditions are very common in Australia and are the most common reason why patients are referred to immunologists. The most important part of any assessment for allergy is in the history you provide however at times it may be necessary to perform additional investigations like skin prick testing and specific IgE blood tests.

Conditions I see include:

  • Food allergy
  • Simple drug allergy and adverse drug reactions
  • Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and allergic eye symptoms)
  • Chronic spontaneous urticaria (hives) and angioedema
  • Anaphylaxis — assessment, management plans, and adrenaline autoinjector training
  • Bee and wasp venom allergy (with desensitisation/immunotherapy where indicated)
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
  • At this stage I am unfortunately not able to assist with allergy to anaesthetic medications or complex drug/food allergy.

Immunodeficiency

If you or your doctor are concerned about recurrent or unusual infections, I can help investigate whether an underlying immune deficiency may be contributing. This includes both inherited (primary) and acquired (secondary) immune deficiencies.

Conditions I see include:

  • Primary immunodeficiency (e.g. common variable immunodeficiency)
  • Hypogammaglobulinaemia — low immunoglobulin levels from any cause
  • Secondary immunodeficiency such as from chemotherapy or HIV infection
  • Immunoglobulin replacement therapy — initiation and ongoing management (available as intravenous or subcutaneous infusions)

Immune-Mediated Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

Interstitial lung diseases are a diverse group of conditions that can slowly or rapidly affect the tissue of the lungs. Many interstitial lung diseases have an immune-mediated component and I work closely with respiratory physicians to provide immunological assessment and management.

Conditions I see include:

  • Connective tissue disease-associated ILD (e.g. systemic sclerosis, antisynthetase syndrome, myositis)
  • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  • Sarcoidosis with pulmonary involvement
  • Other immune-mediated or inflammatory lung diseases

Autoimmune Diseases

The immune system is complex and relies upon overlapping feedback and control systems to prevent recognition of 'self'. When this breaks down the immune system can target the body's own tissues leading to organ damage. These conditions may be tricky to diagnose and often require coordinated care between specialists. I provide immunological expertise in the diagnosis and management of these diseases.

Conditions I see include:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • Sjögren's syndrome
  • Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
  • Vasculitis (e.g. ANCA-associated vasculitis, giant cell arteritis)
  • Mixed connective tissue disease and overlap syndromes
  • Other organ-specific and systemic autoimmune conditions

What to expect

Your first appointment will take approximately 60 minutes. I'll take a detailed history, perform any relevant testing on the day where possible, and explain my findings and a clear management plan before you leave. Please bring any additional documentation, blood tests, or other investigations to your appointment.

Important: If you are having allergy testing, please stop all antihistamines at least 4 days before your appointment. Antihistamines can interfere with skin prick test results. If you are unsure which of your medications are antihistamines, please contact the rooms or check with your GP before your appointment.