About
Dr. Fotini Dimitriou Kavadas is a dedicated Allergist / Immunologist, committed to providing expert care for patients of all ages with allergic or immunologic conditions. Practicing at Fotini Kavadas Clinic Edmonton in Edmonton, AB, she is a trusted provider of specialized allergy and immunology care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring quality and safety in every consultation. Dr. Kavadas's focus is on the accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and comprehensive management of allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders. The clinic is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care for a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions, utilizing up-to-date diagnostic tools and treatment strategies.
Dr. Kavadas graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2003. Following her medical degree, she completed residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a specialized fellowship in Clinical Immunology and Allergy. She has been practicing as an Allergist / Immunologist for over 16 years, since 2008, gaining extensive experience in the field. She holds key certifications including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), Certificate of Special Competence in Clinical Immunology & Allergy (SPEC COMP), and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC).
Dr. Kavadas’s professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to accurate diagnosis and personalized management of allergic and immunologic conditions. She strives to empower her patients with knowledge about their conditions and self-management strategies. Her approach is evidence-based, incorporating the latest advancements in allergy and immunology to improve her patients’ quality of life by minimizing symptoms and preventing severe reactions. She collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to provide comprehensive, integrated care. Fluent in French and Greek, she ensures clear communication with a diverse patient population, all while maintaining a dedicated focus on patient health and well-being in Edmonton.
Dr. Fotini Kavadas provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions, including:
Skin Allergies and Dermatitis
Dr. Kavadas manages management focuses on identifying triggers, skincare, topical medications, and systemic treatments for severe cases.
- Urticaria (Hives) - Acute and Chronic: Can be triggered by allergens, infections, medications, or be idiopathic (unknown cause).
- Contact Dermatitis (Allergic or Irritant): A skin rash caused by direct contact with an allergen (e.g., nickel, poison ivy, fragrances) or an irritant (e.g., harsh soaps, chemicals).
- Angioedema: Swelling deeper in the skin, often affecting the eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat, which can be life-threatening if it obstructs the airway.
Food and Drug Allergies
Dr. Kavadas manages management involves strict avoidance of the trigger, emergency preparedness (epinephrine), and sometimes desensitization procedures.
- Drug Allergies (e.g., Penicillin, Sulfa Drugs): Adverse immune reactions to medications, manifesting as rashes, hives, fever, or more severe systemic reactions.
- Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction): Common triggers include foods, insect stings, medications, and latex.
- Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES): A non-IgE mediated food allergy typically affecting infants and young children, causing delayed, severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Respiratory Allergies
Dr. Kavadas manages includes allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic asthma.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Often coexists with allergic rhinitis.
- Allergic Asthma: Requires identification of allergic triggers and a comprehensive asthma management plan.
- Chronic Sinusitis (Allergy-Related): Persistent inflammation of the sinuses often linked to underlying allergies or nasal polyps.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Fotini Kavadas is necessary.
- Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for Food Allergies (Specialized Centres): A specialized treatment offered at select centres to desensitize individuals to specific food allergens by gradually ingesting increasing amounts of the allergen under medical supervision.
- Blood Tests for Allergy (e.g., Specific IgE testing): Useful when skin testing is not feasible or to supplement skin test results.
- Comprehensive Allergy and Immunology Consultation: Development of personalized diagnostic and management plans.
- Allergen Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots or Sublingual Tablets/Drops): Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets or drops for certain pollens and dust mites.
- Management of Secondary Immunodeficiencies: Care for patients with weakened immune systems due to other medical conditions (e.g., HIV, certain cancers) or medications (e.g., chemotherapy, immunosuppressants).
- Asthma Diagnosis and Management: Comprehensive care for asthma, including diagnosis, personalized treatment plans with inhalers and other medications.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic tests and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Kavadas.
Allergy and immunology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) and international guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Kavadas practices at the Fotini Kavadas Clinic Edmonton, located in the vibrant W Central neighbourhood of Edmonton, Alberta. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Downtown Core, easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The facility is equipped for allergy testing and consultations, offering a professional and supportive environment for patients seeking allergy and immunology care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots for patients with mobility needs. The clinic aims to provide a welcoming setting where patients can receive thorough assessment and personalized treatment plans tailored to their allergy and immune health needs.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Kavadas?
- For most consultations with Dr. Kavadas that are medically necessary and covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), a referral from your family doctor is typically needed. This helps in coordinating your care effectively. Some specialized allergy clinics or services might have different referral processes, so it's always good to check with their office. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (780) 800-1905.
- When should I see an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Kavadas?
- You should consider seeing an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Kavadas if you experience persistent allergy symptoms (nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes), asthma that is difficult to control, recurrent infections, severe reactions to foods, insect stings, or medications, or have chronic skin conditions like eczema or hives. A referral from your family doctor is typically required.
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Kavadas?
- As an Allergist and Immunologist, Dr. Kavadas manages numerous conditions related to the immune system. These frequently include environmental allergies, food sensitivities and allergies, medication reactions, chronic sinus problems, skin rashes like eczema, and disorders where the immune system is underactive or overactive. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders.
- What is involved in an evaluation for a possible immunodeficiency by Dr. Kavadas?
- If an immunodeficiency is suspected (e.g., due to recurrent, severe, or unusual infections), Dr. Kavadas will conduct a thorough evaluation. This typically involves a detailed medical and family history, a physical examination, and specialized laboratory tests to assess different components of the immune system (like antibody levels, white blood cell counts and function). The goal is to identify any underlying immune system weakness and develop an appropriate management plan.
- How does Dr. Kavadas help manage food allergies?
- Dr. Kavadas provides comprehensive management for food allergies. This includes accurate diagnosis through testing (skin tests, blood tests, or oral food challenges), developing strict allergen avoidance strategies, educating on label reading, and creating an emergency action plan, including the prescription and training for epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen®). She may also discuss emerging therapies like oral immunotherapy if applicable. She is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and immune disorders.
Fotini Kavadas Clinic Edmonton
15630 87 Ave NW, 212
Edmonton, AB T5R 5W9
Office Phone: (780) 761-2900 | Office Fax: (780) 800-1905
Dr. Kavadas is a licensed Allergist / Immunologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in Alberta. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Kavadas, particularly for services covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Verify Dr. Kavadas's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=65fd42f5-7592-44f0-9505-f59c30eee4de&i=731
