How Can An Allergist Help You With Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies

Itchy eyes, a runny nose, and frequent sneezing are indicators of allergies. More than half of the U.S. population has tested positive for at least one allergen. Allergies are among the most common chronic diseases in the country and are estimated to cost businesses and the U.S. health care system $7.9 billion each year. An allergist can help relieve symptoms so people spend less time inside sneezing and blowing their noses and more time enjoying each day.

Self-treatment for allergies is usually not effective because many over-the-counter medications do not treat moderate to serious cases. Some people mistake allergies for a cold and use the wrong medication. A visit to a general healthcare practitioner may not reveal the mistaken diagnosis because most general physicians are not very experienced with allergies. The medical professional may identify that a cold is not to blame for the symptoms but may not be able to render an accurate diagnosis.

An easy way to get the correct initial diagnosis is to visit an allergist. This medical specialist has the skills and equipment required to identify an allergic condition. Years of study regarding different types of allergies and access to tests that reveal allergic triggers enable this professional to quickly pinpoint the problem and prescribe the most effective course of treatment. After just one visit, patients may be on their way to feeling better than they have in years.

Treatment may involve avoiding the allergy trigger or taking medication. If a person is allergic to an environmental substance like pollen, avoidance is usually not possible, so medication will be required, particularly during seasons in which pollen is commonly present in the air. An allergy doctor may recommend trying several medicines under medical supervision to determine which is most effective.

There are many types of allergic diseases, ranging from common allergic rhinitis and sinusitis to eczema, asthma, hives, and swelling of the skin or mucous membranes. Some people are allergic to airborne substances, while others have allergies to certain foods, antibiotics, insects, or biological materials. Identifying what is triggering the allergic reaction is the first step in treatment.

An allergist will conduct surface and intradermal skin testing, patch testing, and pulmonary function testing to determine allergy causes. The sooner the sufferer consults with this medical professional, the sooner treatment can begin. Living a life free of allergies due to proper diagnosis is better than suffering with them for years as a result of improper treatment.