Allergy Associates of Western Michigan P.C.

Allergy Associates of Western Michigan P.C. Allergy Associates of Western Michigan has been serving adult and pediatric patients with allergic We have two separate locations to better serve your needs.

At Allergy Associates of Western Michigan, we are dedicated to providing patients relief from allergies, asthma, and other conditions that affect so many both perennially and seasonally. Our doctors, physician assistant, and staff work together to provide education and tailored evaluation and treatment plans to fit the needs of both new and returning patients. Our Grandville office is located con

veniently near Bucktown Plaza.
3185 Macatawa SW
Suite B
Grandville, MI 49418
(616) 531-6900

Our Grand Rapids office is conveniently located north of the East Beltline/I-96 interchange
1600 E. Beltline Ave
Suite 303
Grand Rapids, MI
49506
(616)726-6706

Can You Develop Allergies Later in Life?Yes. While allergies often begin in childhood, they can also develop during adul...
08/24/2026

Can You Develop Allergies Later in Life?

Yes. While allergies often begin in childhood, they can also develop during adulthood.

You may start noticing seasonal allergy symptoms, reactions to foods, or other allergy-related symptoms even if you've never had them before.

Why can this happen? The immune system can change over time, and new or increased exposures can also play a role. Sometimes, though, symptoms that seem like allergies have another cause.

If you're experiencing new or persistent symptoms, an allergy evaluation can help determine whether an allergy is actually responsible and whether testing or treatment is appropriate.

Allergies aren't just a childhood problem.

Probably not.Goldenrod's bright yellow flowers often get blamed for late summer allergies, but goldenrod isn't the culpr...
08/14/2026

Probably not.

Goldenrod's bright yellow flowers often get blamed for late summer allergies, but goldenrod isn't the culprit.

Unlike ragweed, goldenrod pollen is heavy and sticky. It relies on insects for pollination rather than the wind, so it isn't dispersed through the air the way ragweed pollen is.

Ragweed is much less noticeable, but it's everywhere. It releases enormous amounts of lightweight pollen that can travel for miles on the wind and is one of the most common causes of fall allergy symptoms.

If your allergy symptoms flare when goldenrod is blooming, ragweed is usually the real cause.

Getting ready now can help make ragweed season easier to manage.In Michigan, ragweed pollen typically begins appearing a...
08/12/2026

Getting ready now can help make ragweed season easier to manage.

In Michigan, ragweed pollen typically begins appearing around mid-August. If fall allergies affect you every year, now is a great time to prepare.

✔ Refill allergy medications if you're running low.

✔ If you've been advised to use a nasal steroid spray, start it now before symptoms begin.

✔ If you have asthma, make sure any inhalers you use during allergy season aren't expired and refill them if needed.

✔ If your symptoms were difficult to control last year, consider scheduling an appointment before pollen counts peak.

A little preparation now can go a long way toward helping you stay ahead of the season.

Both skin testing and blood testing measure allergic antibodies (IgE), but they provide different types of information.S...
08/10/2026

Both skin testing and blood testing measure allergic antibodies (IgE), but they provide different types of information.

Skin testing evaluates sensitization to an allergen and gives us some idea of the degree of sensitization.

Blood testing measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE in your bloodstream. While that information can be very helpful, the presence of IgE antibodies doesn't always mean they're responsible for your symptoms.

Whether skin testing or blood testing is used, the results are always interpreted in the context of your symptoms and medical history to determine whether an allergy is clinically significant.

Choosing between skin testing and blood testing depends on the clinical question we're trying to answer.

Not always.Allergy testing is an important tool, but the results must always be interpreted in the context of your sympt...
08/07/2026

Not always.

Allergy testing is an important tool, but the results must always be interpreted in the context of your symptoms and medical history.

A positive allergy test means your immune system has made allergic antibodies (IgE) to that allergen. It does not necessarily mean you'll have symptoms when you're encounter it.

That's because a positive test alone doesn't tell us whether an allergy is clinically significant—meaning it's actually responsible for the symptoms you're experiencing.

Allergists combine your history, physical exam, and allergy testing to determine whether an allergy is clinically significant and to guide the most appropriate treatment.

Allergy testing is an important piece of the puzzle—but it's only one piece.

When people think of an allergist, they may think of seasonal allergies. In reality, allergists diagnose and treat a wid...
08/05/2026

When people think of an allergist, they may think of seasonal allergies. In reality, allergists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, such as:

• Seasonal and year-round allergies
• Asthma
• Food allergies
• Eczema
• Hives
• Insect sting allergies
• Medication allergies

Many of these conditions can look similar or occur together. A thorough evaluation helps identify the cause of your symptoms so you can receive the most appropriate treatment.

Whether your symptoms are new, persistent, or difficult to control, an allergist can help determine what's causing them and discuss treatment options.

Yes—but it depends.Whether an allergy can be outgrown depends on both the type of allergy and the individual. While cert...
08/03/2026

Yes—but it depends.

Whether an allergy can be outgrown depends on both the type of allergy and the individual. While certain allergies are more likely to resolve over time, every person's immune system is different.

Some children outgrow allergies to milk, egg, soy, or wheat, while allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are more likely to continue into adulthood—although some individuals do outgrow them.

Environmental allergies, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander, are different. Symptoms may improve, worsen, or even develop for the first time later in life.

Because allergies can change over time, it's important not to make assumptions based on past reactions—or the absence of them. If you think an allergy has changed, an evaluation can help determine whether additional testing or treatment is appropriate.

The terms "food allergy" and "food intolerance" are often used interchangeably, but they describe two very different con...
07/31/2026

The terms "food allergy" and "food intolerance" are often used interchangeably, but they describe two very different conditions.

A food allergy involves the immune system and can cause hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or, in some cases, a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

A food intolerance affects the digestive system rather than the immune system. It is often caused by difficulty digesting or processing certain foods and may cause bloating, gas, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.

Understanding the difference is important because the evaluation, treatment, and long-term management are very different. If you have concerns about a possible food allergy, an evaluation can help determine the cause of your symptoms and the most appropriate treatment options.

Many people are surprised to learn that allergies don't always begin in childhood. New allergies can develop at any age....
07/29/2026

Many people are surprised to learn that allergies don't always begin in childhood. New allergies can develop at any age.

As our immune system changes throughout life, hormonal shifts and environmental exposures can influence when allergy symptoms appear. It's not unusual for symptoms to change around puberty, during pregnancy, or in midlife, and some people first notice allergies after moving to a new area.

If your symptoms have changed over time—or you've developed symptoms you never had before—an allergy evaluation can help determine whether allergies are the cause and what treatment options may help.

Have you ever checked the pollen count only to find it's low, yet your eyes are burning, your nose is irritated, or your...
07/24/2026

Have you ever checked the pollen count only to find it's low, yet your eyes are burning, your nose is irritated, or your breathing feels worse?

Poor air quality from wildfire smoke, ozone, and other forms of air pollution can irritate your eyes, nose, and lungs. If you have allergies or asthma, those irritants can make your symptoms feel even worse.

While allergies and poor air quality can cause similar symptoms, they're not the same—and understanding the difference can help you better manage your symptoms.

Checking both the pollen forecast and the Air Quality Index (AQI) can help explain why you're having symptoms. If allergy and asthma symptoms continue to interfere with your daily life, we're here to help.

Address

3185 Macatawa Drive SW, Ste B
Grandville, MI
49418

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 6pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+16165316900

Website

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