Who Should Be Evaluated by an Allergist?

•  If you suffer with persistent sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, cough, tickle in the throat or itchy, watery eyes, you may be allergic to common substances in the air.  Seasonal plant pollen, pet hair/dander, household dust (containing dust mite and cockroach allergens) or mold can trigger allergic inflammation in the skin lining the nose, throat and eyes where many immune cells are ready to react.

• Persistent symptoms can interfere with your day-to-day activities and decrease your quality of life. Getting tested for antibodies related to allergies (skin prick test or blood test for specific IgE) can identify triggers and allow for accurate management of symptoms.

• Environmental allergies can also cause allergic asthma. Difficulty breathing, wheezing or chest tightness are symptoms often associated with allergic inflammation in the airways.  Treatment strategies that decrease airway inflammation help to improve breathing in asthmatic patients and increase functionality in daily life.

• Food allergy reactions may appear as red, itchy rashes (hives)on the body and/or swelling of the lips/tongue soon after eating certain foods. These conditions need evaluation to identify the triggering food as these reactions may progress in severity on subsequent exposure.  A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may affect multiple organ systems and become life threatening if not managed in time.

• Skin reactions to chemicals found in skin, hair/nail care products (fragrances, preservatives, cosmetics), rubber compounds (gloves, elastic band, clothing) or metals (jewelry, belt buckles, buttons) occur after direct contact appearing a few days later.  Patch testing can help identify the trigger in many cases, allowing the patients to find alternative products that do not contain the offending allergen.  

• A severe allergic reaction to bee, wasp, hornet or yellow jacket sting should be evaluated by an allergist with skin prick /intradermal testing.  Venom immunotherapy may be life saving option for some people with insect venom allergy.

• Immune reactions to medications (antibiotics) should be assessed by an allergist. Not all allergic reactions to medications can be tested. Avoidance of the specific drug may be the best strategy for some drug hypersensitivity reactions.