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What kind of problems do allergy specialists treat?
Allergists are trained to manage many allergic problems. These include food allergy, eczema, cough/wheeze/asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), sinus problems, reactions to insect stings, hives and swelling disorders. Allergy symptoms can begin at any age from infancy to late adulthood. Many people suffer unnecessarily because they have tried something that didn’t help them or because they were not aware that their problem can be made better.
The other types of problems seen by allergy specialists are recurrent infections. Recurrent infections usually involve the respiratory tract and can stem from underlying allergies. However, occasionally the infections arise from problems with the immune system. The allergist can also evaluate for these conditions.
At what point should I see an allergist?
Many people have symptoms that might be due to allergies but they are not getting any better on their medications. These problems can interfere with sleep, work, school or leisure activities. So, as soon as you have symptoms which keep you from living your life to its fullest you should consult an allergist. Testing can safely be done on patients of all ages, from infants to elderly patients.
What can I expect at my first visit to the allergy office?
At your first visit, your medical history will be taken. The many things that can cause your allergic symptoms can be difficult to uncover. We take the time to accumulate a lot of information about your personal health concerns as well as your living environment. Your provider will then discuss what testing is appropriate for you or your family member. Individualized testing is performed in our office. This may include skin tests for foods, indoor or outdoor allergens and/or a lung function test. If these tests are done at the first visit, the appointment often lasts between one and a half to two hours. Sometimes it is necessary to delay the testing until a later visit. Other tests may include blood tests or x-rays which are scheduled outside the office after the visit.
Will I have to have allergy shots?
As soon as we have an accurate diagnosis, we recommend ways to avoid exposure to your allergic triggers and/or prescribe medications or other treatments that should help you feel better. Sometimes allergy shots are needed as a long term treatment option for nasal allergies, sinus problems and asthma for various reasons.
Why should I choose Allergy & Asthma Specialists as my allergy specialists?
As your allergists, we realize that it’s our responsibility to keep up with the latest developments in the care of our patients. That’s why we take continuing-education classes, participate in a number of professional organizations and maintain our board certification in our specialty. But even more important than all our specialty training and experience is the experienced and dedicated staff. We are exceptionally proud of them. We work together and do our best to return your telephone calls promptly and to assess the need for urgent appointments or tests.
Allergic disorders often affect several members of a family and occur at almost any age. Our goal is to provide individualized care and be worthy of your trust in the care of your entire family.
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