7 Essential Services That Make Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists The RVA Leader In Allergy Care

For residents of Richmond, Virginia, and the surrounding RVA area, finding expert care for chronic allergies and asthma is a critical step toward a better quality of life. As of December 17, 2025, Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists (RAAS) continues to stand out as a premier medical group dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of allergic and immunological conditions in both adults and pediatric patients. This comprehensive guide breaks down the practice's expert team, specialized services, and what makes them a trusted resource for managing everything from seasonal hay fever to complex asthma and food allergies.

The practice, with a major presence in Henrico, VA, is renowned for its patient-centered approach, focusing on long-term relief rather than just temporary symptom management. By integrating the latest advancements in immunology, RAAS provides tailored treatment plans that address the root cause of allergic diseases, ensuring patients can breathe easier and live healthier lives.

Meet the Expert Team: Physicians and Providers at Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists

The strength of Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists lies in its highly trained team of board-certified allergists and experienced physician assistants. These specialists bring a wealth of expertise from top medical institutions, focusing on complex and common allergic conditions. The core provider team includes:

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• Lawrence E. Gelber, M.D.: A highly experienced physician whose special interests encompass a wide range of conditions, including food allergies, nasal allergies, sinus problems (sinusitis), headaches, asthma, and even infantile colic.
• William T. Hark, M.D.: Another key physician contributing to the practice's comprehensive approach to adult and pediatric allergy and immunology.
• Jaimin H. Patel, DO: Dr. Patel’s clinical interests are centered on seasonal and perennial allergies, food allergies, asthma, eczema, and urticaria (hives), providing a holistic view of allergic conditions.
• Marc P. Breidenbaugh, M.D.: Dr. Breidenbaugh treats patients of all ages, with clinical interests that include food allergies, seasonal and perennial allergies, asthma, eczema, and hives. He graduated summa cum laude from the College of William and Mary and attended medical school at the University of Virginia.
• Deanna W. Tanner, PA-C: A certified Physician Assistant who plays a vital role in patient care, often assisting with the treatment of allergies, asthma, respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, and COPD.
• David K. Moon, PA-C: A certified Physician Assistant who is an integral part of the clinical team, ensuring continuity and high-quality care for all patients.

This diverse team ensures that patients receive specialized attention regardless of the complexity of their allergic or asthmatic condition.

The 7 Specialized Services Driving Relief at RAAS

Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists offers a deep catalog of diagnostic and therapeutic services designed to provide lasting relief. These services go beyond simple prescription management, focusing on identifying triggers and modifying the immune system’s response.

1. Comprehensive Allergy Testing and Diagnosis

The first step in effective treatment is an accurate diagnosis. RAAS utilizes advanced techniques to pinpoint the exact allergens causing a patient’s symptoms. This includes:

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• Skin Prick Testing: The most common and quick method to test for environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and molds.
• Intradermal Testing: Used when skin prick tests are inconclusive, offering a more sensitive measure of allergic response.
• Blood Testing (RAST/ImmunoCAP): Valuable for patients who cannot undergo skin testing (e.g., due to severe eczema or certain medications) or for specific food allergy diagnosis.

2. Life-Changing Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)

Immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots, is a cornerstone of the practice's offerings. This long-term treatment is designed to desensitize the body to specific allergens, often leading to a significant reduction or complete elimination of allergy symptoms. It is a highly effective treatment for patients suffering from chronic seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.

3. Advanced Asthma Management and Testing

For asthma patients, RAAS provides state-of-the-art care, moving beyond standard inhaler prescriptions. Services include:

• Spirometry: Lung function testing to measure how well a patient breathes and to monitor the effectiveness of asthma medication.
• Asthma Action Plans: Personalized, detailed plans to help patients manage their condition daily and respond appropriately to flare-ups.
• Biologic Therapies: For patients with severe or difficult-to-control asthma, the practice offers the latest biologic medications, which target specific inflammatory pathways in the immune system.

4. Specialized Food Allergy Evaluation and Treatment

Food allergies, including peanut, tree nut, milk, and egg allergies, are a major focus. The specialists at RAAS conduct thorough evaluations, which may include oral food challenges in a controlled setting, and develop crucial management strategies. They also provide education on epinephrine auto-injector use and allergen avoidance.

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5. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) and Hives (Urticaria) Treatment

Skin conditions often have an allergic component. The team is skilled in diagnosing and treating chronic skin issues like eczema and urticaria (hives). Treatment protocols are comprehensive, involving identifying triggers (like contact allergens or food sensitivities), topical therapies, and, when necessary, systemic medications or biologics for severe cases.

6. Comprehensive Sinus and Nasal Disease Care

Chronic sinusitis and nasal congestion are frequently linked to allergies. RAAS offers expert care for these conditions, which often manifest as chronic headaches and recurring infections. Their approach helps patients manage the allergic inflammation that contributes to these persistent sinus issues.

7. Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Care

A significant part of the practice is dedicated to children’s health. Pediatric allergists specialize in diagnosing and treating allergies and asthma in infants, toddlers, and adolescents. This specialized focus ensures that younger patients receive age-appropriate testing, management plans, and education, addressing conditions like infantile colic and early-onset asthma.

Why Choose an Allergy Specialist Over a Primary Care Physician?

While a primary care physician (PCP) can manage mild, intermittent allergy symptoms, an allergist/immunologist like those at RAAS offers a level of expertise that is essential for chronic or complex conditions. Allergists complete years of specialized training after medical school and residency, allowing them to:

• Accurately interpret complex allergy and asthma test results.
• Offer advanced, long-term treatments like immunotherapy and biologic medications that are not typically available in a PCP's office.
• Diagnose and manage rare or complicated immunological disorders.
• Provide personalized care plans for patients with multiple co-existing conditions, such as asthma, eczema, and food allergies.

For patients in the Richmond area dealing with persistent wheezing, chronic hives, recurrent sinus infections, or debilitating seasonal allergies, consulting a specialist is the most direct path to effective, lasting relief. The team at Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists is equipped with the knowledge and tools to provide this high-level, specialized care, helping the community manage their allergic and asthmatic diseases with confidence.