Board Certified
Pediatric and Adult
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Your PCA Allergist of Choice
What is Allergy?
In people with the genetic predisposition, regular exposure to
"allergens" (airborne or ingested particles made mostly of protein, such
as pollens, to which people normally do not react) cause the productions
of "allergic" antibodies (immunoglobulin E, IgE). These "allergic"
antibodies become attached to "allergy" cells (mast cells) under the
surface of the body. When re-exposed to the "allergen", the IgE
antibody transfers a signal toe the "allergy cell", causing the release
of irritating chemicals, such as histamine, that trigger immediate
symptoms, like itching, sneezing, hives, etc.
Hours to days later other inflammatory cells (eosinophils) are attracted
to the area and release additional chemicals and enzymes that cause
swelling and irritation of the area leading to more chronic symptoms of
nasal and chest congestion, cough, difficult breathing and itchy
skin. The inflammation also causes "twitchiness" of the nerves in
the affected area leading to symptoms from non-specific irritants, such as
cold air, exercise, strong odors and strong emotions.
What is an Allergist?
An allergist is a physician who has completed medical school, a 3 or
4 year residency in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine or both, and a
fellowship in Allergy. The board certified allergist also
passes a board exam given by the American Board of Allergy and
Immunology. If the allergist has been in practice for awhile,
he/she has also retaken the board exam (recertified) as well as had
his/her practice reviewed by the board and his/her peers.
A native of New Orleans, Dr. Hoover received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Louisiana State University. He completed a combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics residency at St. Louis University and a fellowship in Allergy at the University of Virginia. He has been board certified by the America
Who is PCA?
An independent medical practice
dedicated to providing accessible and compassionate healthcare to
our patients and our community. Our conviction is that the
independent model of healthcare best serves our patients.
Originally a group of primary care physicians, our practice has
grown to include specialists. PCA remains committed to
competent and compassionate care in a setting of personal dignity
and business integrity.
