A Basic Overview of Allergists

Allergists

If you suffer from allergies, you may have considered seeing an allergist. What is an allergist? Will he or she be able to treat the issues you’re dealing with? The following gives you a basic overview so you can understand how seeing an allergist, like an allergist in Manassas, VA from Black & Kletz Allergy, could be beneficial for you.

What Do Allergists Do?

An allergist is a trained physician who works at diagnosing, treating, managing and preventing allergies and allergic diseases. Sometimes referred to as immunologists, these doctors have the qualifications necessary to help individuals facing inherited immunodeficiencies, asthma, autoimmune diseases and other types of allergies. While some allergies are managed with a simple over-the-counter medication, others can be life-threatening and require more aggressive treatment. An allergist can determine what course of action to take, and ensure a patient receives proper care.

What Types of Allergies Are Treated?

Allergists treat a variety of allergies in children, adolescents, and adults. Some common types treated include:

  • Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever
  • Asthma
  • Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema
  • Sinusitis
  • Urticaria, also known as hives

Do you break out every time you eat? You might have a food allergy an allergist can treat. Does cuddling your new puppy make you sneeze? You might be allergic to animals, and an allergist can help you there, too. Are you unable to take Penicillin? Allergists also diagnose and treat medication allergies.

When Allergies Get Serious

Some allergies are more of a nuisance than a serious issue, and although allergists can help you manage the annoyance, it’s not essential to your wellbeing. There are times when allergies get serious, requiring you seek treatment as your quality of life depends on it. One case would be anaphylaxis. This is a potentially fatal reaction that could result from a food, medication or insect allergy. You may experience low blood pressure, hives, a swollen throat, vomiting and/or loss of consciousness.

Another serious situation is asthma. Some individuals have a mild case that is controlled with the right steroid. If the bronchial tubes become inflamed, mucus is trapped in the airway and the muscles are in a spasm, some patients end up in the emergency room. An allergist can take a deep look at the condition to determine what triggers the attack and how to treat it so the sufferer isn’t always in a dire situation.

Contacting the Professionals

To learn more about allergists, what they do and what they treat, contact the professionals. Call an allergist today and get started on the path to better health.