Who Should See an Allergist?
The Problem!
Asthma and allergies are among the most common health problems, with as many as 50 million Americans afflicted with asthma, hay fever or other allergy-related conditions.
Some allergies -- such as a mild case of hay fever -- may require no treatment, or may be controlled with the occasional use of over-the-counter medications. Others, however, may interfere with day-to-day activities, lessen the quality of life or, sometimes, be life-threatening. In these cases, individuals should seek the care of a physician to help them manage their disease. BACK TO TOP
The Allergist Treats Asthma and Allergies
A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and allergies is an allergist. The allergist has passed a qualifying examination and is specially trained to identify the factors that trigger asthma or allergies, and help the patient to prevent or treat the condition.
After earning a medical degree, the allergist completes a three-year residency training program in either internal medicine or pediatrics, followed by a two or three-year program of study in the field of allergy and immunology. You can be certain that your doctor has met these requirements if he or she is certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. BACK TO TOP
When To See An Allergist
If you suffer from asthma or allergies -- or suspect you may have either -- an allergist will help you learn more about your condition and provide treatment that controls or eliminates your symptoms. Often, the symptoms of asthma or allergies develop gradually over a period of time.
Allergy sufferers may become so accustomed to chronic symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion or wheezing that they do not consider their condition to be unusual. Yet, with the help of an allergist, these symptoms can usually be prevented or controlled and the patient's quality of life greatly improved. BACK TO TOP
You Should See and Allergist If:
- Your allergies are causing secondary symptoms such as chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or difficulty in breathing.
- You experience hay fever or other allergy symptoms several months out of the year. Antihistamines and other over-the-counter medications do not control your allergy symptoms, or create side effects such as drowsiness.
- Your asthma or allergies are interfering with your ability to carry on day-to-day activities.
- Your asthma or allergies decrease the quality of your life.
- You are experiencing warning signs of asthma, such as:
- You sometimes have to struggle to catch your breath.
- You often wheeze or cough, especially at night or after exercise.
- You are frequently short of breath or feel a tightness in your chest.
- You have previously been diagnosed with asthma, but despite treatment, you still have frequent acute asthma attacks.
The Cause of Allergic Reactions
One of the marvels of the human body is that it can defend itself against harmful invaders such as viruses or bacteria. But sometimes the defenses are too aggressive, and harmless substances such as dust, mold or pollen are mistakenly identified as dangerous. The immune system then rallies its defenses, launching a host of complex chemical weapons to attack and destroy the supposed enemy. In the process, some unpleasant and, in extreme cases, life-threatening symptoms may be experienced by the allergy-prone individual. BACK TO TOP
What Is An Allergy?
There are hundreds of ordinary substances that can trigger allergic reactions. Among the most common are plant pollens, molds, household dust (dust mites), animal dander, industrial chemicals, foods, medicines, feathers and insect stings. These triggers are called allergens.
An allergic reaction may occur anywhere in the body, but usually appears in the skin,l eyes, lining of the stomach, nose, sinuses, throat and lungs -- places where special immune system cells are stationed to fight off invaders that are inhaled, swallowed or come in contact with the skin. BACK TO TOP
Who Develops Asthma or Allergies?
Asthma and allergies can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or socioeconomic factors. While it's true that asthma and allergies are more common in children, they can occur for the first time at any age or, in some cases, recur after many years of remission.
Although the exact genetic factors are not yet understood, the tendency to asthma and allergies is linked to heredity. In susceptible people, factors such as hormones, stress, smoke, perfume or other environmental irritants may also play a role. BACK TO TOP
How an Allergist Can Help
Effectively controlling asthma and allergies requires planning, skill and patience. The allergist, with his or her specialized training and expertise in managing asthma and allergies, can develop a treatment plan for your individual condition. The goal will be to enable you to lead a life that is as normal and symptom-free as possible. BACK TO TOP
Some Methods That May Be Used By The Allergist Include
Allergy Testing: The allergist will usually perform tests to determine what allergens are involved. Prevention: The most effective approach to treating asthma or allergies is to avoid the factors that trigger the condition in the first place. Even when it is not possible to completely avoid allergens, an allergist can design strategies for reducing exposure and preventing symptoms. Prescription Medications: A number of new and effective medications are available to treat both asthma and allergies. Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): In this treatment, patients are injected over the course of time with gradually increasing doses of the substance to which they are allergic. In many cases, the body's reaction to the substance becomes less pronounced over time. BACK TO TOP
Types of Allergies
Allergic rhinitis is a general term used to describe the allergic reactions that take place when an airborne allergen, such as pollen or mold, is inhaled through the mouth or nose. Symptoms may include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, excess mucus, weepy eyes and a scratchy or burning palate or throat. These may be seasonal symptoms triggered by plant pollens or molds, in which case the condition is often called hay fever. Sometimes the problem is year-round, in which case the culprit may be dust, dander from household pets or other animals, or, less frequently, a food allergy. BACK TO TOP
Contact Dermatitis/Skin Allergies
Contact dermatitis, eczema and hives are skin conditions that can be caused by allergens or other irritants. When the skin comes into direct contact with an allergen, usually a chemical, contact dermatitis may result. Often the reaction may take hours to develop, as in the case of poison ivy. The most common allergic causes of rashes such as eczema are pollen, foods and animals. Hives, or skin welts, may be triggered by emotional stress or an underlying disease. Allergies to foods, pets and medications, especially penicillin and aspirin, also can be the cause. BACK TO TOP
Asthma
Asthma is caused when muscle spasms constrict the flow of air to the lungs. The linings of airways become inflamed and swollen, and excess mucus may clog the airways.
An asthma attack is characterized by labored or restricted breathing, a tight feeling in the chest, coughing and wheezing. The condition can develop quickly and may vary in severity from mild discomfort to life-threatening attacks in which breathing stops altogether.
Sometimes, a chronic cough is the only symptom, and many cases of the disease go undiagnosed. BACK TO TOP
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a rare, potentially fatal allergic reaction that affects many parts of the body at once. The trigger may be an insect sting, a food, such as nuts or shellfish, or medications. Symptoms may include:
- A dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Swelling of the throat, tongue and nose.
- Loss of consciousness.
Usually, these symptoms are immediate and progress rapidly. Emergency medical attention should be sought at the first sign of an anaphylactic reaction. BACK TO TOP