15 Reasons You Should Go to See an Allergist in 2023
I often have patients ask me, "When I do need to see an allergy specialist?" Seeing a board-certified Allergist and Immunologist is the best way to help relieve your allergy symptoms. It can also help you to figure out what is causing your allergic reactions or to diagnose and treat an immune system disorder.
If you personally have allergy and asthma problems or immune problems, or if you have a family history of allergies or immune disease, you will get the best medical care by seeing an Allergist/Immunologist. Let an allergist diagnose and treat your symptoms, and since each allergist is also an immunology doctor, they can diagnose and provide treatment options for primary immunodeficiency as well.
Keep reading to find out 15 good reasons you should see an Allergist/Immunologist!
1) Allergist/Immunologists are medical doctors who are trained to be able to diagnose and treat allergies, respiratory problems like asthma, and immune deficiencies. In the United States, Allergist/Immunologist physicians initially attend medical school and once they obtain their medical degree this is followed by completing a residency in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Med-Peds, which is a dual residency. They then complete a fellowship in Allergy/Immunology. In order to become certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI), they must both complete fellowship and pass their initial board certification exams, either the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Board of Pediatrics. After passing the ABAI, they can go on to be an allergist who sees both adult and pediatric patients or they can focus to be an adult allergist or a pediatric allergist.
2) Environmental allergies affect many people. Multiple things can be allergy triggers and contribute to seasonal allergies, like pollen, or year-round allergies, such as animal dander and dust mites. Allergy tests performed by an allergist can help determine if these things are the cause of your symptoms, such as runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and watery eyes, otherwise known as "hay fever",
3) Food allergies can be very severe allergies. A true food allergy requires more than just testing to diagnose. An important part of the diagnosis is your medical history and history of the reaction. Food allergies can cause a variety of symptoms and can present in different forms. If you suspect you have a food allergy, it is a good idea to see an allergist to discuss a possible diagnostic test and treatment plan. Allergists can also help determine hidden sensitivities with guided elimination diets, which can be very helpful and usually last just a couple of weeks for each food tested.
4) Allergists can accurately perform and interpret allergy testing including skin tests, blood tests, and patch testing. Skin testing can be done by different methods but the most common and safest is the skin prick test or scratch test, which is when a small amount of allergen is applied to the top layer of skin by a "prick" or "scratch" method. This can often determine specific allergens to which you are reacting. If you want to have a skin test, ask your allergist about how best to prepare as some over the counter drugs or prescription medicines need to be stopped prior to the skin test. While over the counter medications and prescriptions can affect the skin allergy test, blood allergy testing doesn't require stopping medications.
5) Immune system problems resulting in primary immunodeficiency affect a significant portion of the population. An immunology specialist is necessary to help diagnose primary immunodeficiency disease. These medical conditions can cause recurrent or severe infections and often mimic symptoms of allergies. Your ABAI-certified Allergist/Immunologist will go over your medical records and spend a long time with you to get a good history for diagnosis and treatment.
6) Eczema or atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that often needs specialized care to manage. Allergists can help identify triggers and identify treatments, including biologic medications, to treat your symptoms.
7) Immunotherapy is an allergy treatment that aims at reducing allergy symptoms. Examples are allergy shots or other newer treatments such as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), or drops under the tongue, or intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT), allowing for shots directly into the lymph node thus significantly reducing the time to symptom relief. This can be used to treat allergic rhinitis and a variety of other conditions. Allergists specialize in immunotherapy and can help you determine if and which type of this therapy if right for you.
8) Allergic contact dermatitis is a skin allergy that is caused by allergens that come into contact with the skin. It can be caused by multiple things and often requires specialist help to identify the cause and come up with a treatment plan. Allergist/Immunologists are well-trained in identifying contact allergens and treating symptoms of this disease.
9) For chronic hives and swelling, or chronic urticaria and angioedema, your allergist's office is the first place you should go. Many people assume that this disorder is caused by allergic responses or is symptoms of an allergy, but it is usually an internal immune response that responds to specific medications. An allergy and asthma specialist like an ABAI-certified Allergist/Immunologist is the appropriate place for diagnosis and management.
10) Insect stings can happen any time of year. If you have had an allergic reaction to an insect sting, you need to see an allergist to properly diagnose and treat this allergic condition.
11) According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, penicillin is one of the most common drugs people are allergic to - but the good news is that up to 80% of people outgrow this allergy after 10 years! Your allergy doctor can help you determine if you are one of those lucky people who can possibly now tolerate this medication. They can also discuss and manage other medication allergies or intolerances.
12) Asthma is a condition that causes trouble breathing. This can present as a chronic cough and/or wheezing and shortness of breath. It often worsens in the middle of the night and sometimes with activity. Allergists are experienced in helping patients find a treatment plan to significantly improve your quality of life. They can help you reduce asthma attacks and improve your asthma symptoms.
13) Recurrent sinus infections are a real problem and affect many with allergies and even those without allergies. If you find that you are not responding to the typical treatments of a nasal spray and OTC medications (over the counter medications), you may actually have chronic sinusitis. An allergist can help you figure this out.
14) Allergists often work with other specialists, such as an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor (ENT doctor) or a Rheumatologist for autoimmune diseases, in order to effectively treat their patients. Immune system problems are often accompanied by autoimmune disorders, and some patients with chronic sinus problems require ENT surgery to help.
15) Medications are not the only treatments available for allergies. If you want a less medicine-focused approach to treatment, your allergist can help you determine the right natural remedies. There are multiple options such as allergenic mattress covers which can protect against dust mite droppings and appropriate methods to decrease exposure to pet dander that can help decrease symptoms. Immunotherapy is an option that stimulates the body's own immune system response with real environmental allergens to help you have less allergy symptoms.
Call your local allergist's office (Shepherd Allergy 304-733-3333) or ask your primary care doctor to refer you right away! Seeing an experienced allergist is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. With the help of an allergist, you can lead an improved daily life with the best treatment possible.
