Dr. Karen Sigman

Dr. Karen Sigman provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions, including:

Insect Sting and Other Specific Allergies

Dr. Sigman manages venom immunotherapy can be life-saving for severe insect sting allergies.

• Alpha-Gal Allergy (Red Meat Allergy): Symptoms typically occur 3-6 hours after meat consumption.
• Insect Sting Allergies (Bee, Wasp, Hornet, Yellow Jacket, Fire Ant): Allergic reactions to the venom of stinging insects, ranging from large local reactions to systemic anaphylaxis.
• Mast Cell Disorders (e.g., Mastocytosis, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome): Managed with medications to control mast cell mediator release and symptoms.

Food and Drug Allergies

Dr. Sigman manages management involves strict avoidance of the trigger, emergency preparedness (epinephrine), and sometimes desensitization procedures.

• Common Food Allergies (e.g., Peanut, Tree Nuts, Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat, Fish, Shellfish): Oral food challenges may be performed to confirm or rule out an allergy.
• Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES): Common triggers include milk, soy, and grains.
• Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction): Common triggers include foods, insect stings, medications, and latex.

Respiratory Allergies

Dr. Sigman manages allergic reactions affecting the airways, commonly triggered by airborne allergens like pollens, dust mites, molds, and animal dander.

• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Can be seasonal (e.g., pollen allergies) or perennial (e.g., dust mite allergies).
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye) due to allergens, causing itchy, red, watery, and swollen eyes.
• Allergic Asthma: Requires identification of allergic triggers and a comprehensive asthma management plan.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Karen Sigman is necessary.

• Allergen Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots or Sublingual Tablets/Drops): Includes subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) for environmental allergens and insect stings.
• Management of Secondary Immunodeficiencies: Focus on preventing and treating opportunistic infections.
• Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for Food Allergies (Specialized Centres): Requires careful patient selection and close monitoring.
• Insect Sting (Venom) Allergy Diagnosis and Immunotherapy: Diagnosis of allergies to stings from bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets.
• Blood Tests for Allergy (e.g., Specific IgE testing): Laboratory blood tests to measure specific IgE antibodies to various allergens.
• Pulmonary Function Testing (Spirometry) for Asthma: Helps assess airway obstruction and response to treatment.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic tests and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Sigman.

Allergy and immunology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) and international guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Sigman's practice is situated at the Hôpital de Montréal pour enfants, located in the vibrant Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG) Central neighborhood of Montréal. The clinic is conveniently accessible, situated near the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal and well-served by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) network, including Métro and bus routes. The facility is equipped for allergy testing and consultations, providing a professional and welcoming environment for patients seeking allergy and immunology care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots for patients with mobility needs. The clinic's central location and accessible facilities make it easy for patients to receive expert allergy and immunology services in a supportive setting.

How does Dr. Sigman help manage food allergies?

For food allergies, Dr. Sigman focuses on precise diagnosis, clear guidance on avoiding the trigger food(s), and ensuring you are prepared for accidental exposures with an emergency plan and epinephrine. Ongoing support and education for patients and families are key components of care.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sigman?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is generally required to see an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Sigman for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)). This ensures that Dr. Sigman has relevant medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your specific health concerns. Please have your referring doctor's office contact Dr. Sigman's clinic for referral instructions.

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Sigman?

Dr. Sigman treats a wide spectrum of allergic and immunologic conditions. Common ones include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, food allergies, drug allergies, insect sting allergies, atopic dermatitis (eczema), urticaria (hives), angioedema, and primary immunodeficiency diseases. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.

Does Dr. Sigman offer allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops)?

Yes, Allergist / Immunologists like Dr. Sigman often prescribe and manage allergen immunotherapy. This treatment, available as allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT) or under-the-tongue tablets/drops (sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT for certain allergens), helps your body build tolerance to specific allergens over time, reducing symptoms of hay fever, allergic asthma, or insect sting allergies. She can determine if immunotherapy is a suitable option for you. She is committed to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.

Are services from Dr. Sigman covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Sigman, such as consultations, diagnostic allergy testing (e.g., skin prick tests for common allergens when indicated), and management of asthma or immunodeficiencies, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). However, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets/drops) and some biologic medications may require specific authorization or have limited coverage. It is advisable to confirm coverage details with Dr. Sigman's office or RAMQ.

What does an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Sigman specialize in?

An Allergist / Immunologist, such as Dr. Sigman, is a medical doctor (MD) with specialized training in diagnosing, treating, and managing allergies, asthma, and immunologic disorders. She addresses conditions like hay fever, food allergies, eczema, hives, primary immunodeficiencies, and autoimmune diseases with immunologic components. Her focus is on providing comprehensive, personalized care to improve her patients' quality of life.

When should I see an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Sigman?

A consultation with Dr. Sigman is recommended if you need specialized allergy testing, are considering allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops), have a suspected immunodeficiency, or require expert management for conditions like anaphylaxis, chronic urticaria, or complex allergic disorders. Your primary care physician can assist in determining if a referral is appropriate.

Hôpital de Montréal pour enfants
1001 boul Décarie
Montréal, QC H4A 3J1

Office Phone: (514) 412-4470

Dr. Sigman is a licensed Allergist / Immunologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in Quebec. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Sigman, particularly for services covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Verify Dr. Sigman's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=95023