Allergic reactions, more formally allergies can be a common problem for many people worldwide. Many allergies are controllable using over-the-counter drugs. Some allergies, however, can be a menace and can interfere with the quality of life. The allergies can be fatal to ignore, specifically in the event of an aberrant immune response. An allergist is a doctor specializing in the treatment of allergic health conditions. An allergist notifies you the reason you are allergic to certain substances or pollutants and what you can do to curb the allergic triggers.
Allergies – An overview:
Some people might believe that paying a visit to an allergist can be an utter waste of time. Allergies are likely to resolve within days to weeks. Some instances of allergies, however, can go out of control propelling an aberrant immune response or alerting you about a response that has already occurred. Allergy symptoms might start interfering with the daily activities or complicate the congestion having lasted more than a week or two. It might be the right time for you to see a doctor.
What should you prepare before you visit an allergist?
It should start with the list of symptoms, the time you experience them the most, the activities that you think complicate the symptoms and what works to relieve the symptoms.
When is the visit to an allergist a mandate?
- When an allergy is interfering with the quality of life and the symptoms are not relieving despite using the over-the-counter medications.
- In the event of persistent infections like a sinus infection, ear infection, or allergic rhinitis with headache, the visit to an allergist is considerable.
- When insomnia starts to bother your sleep followed by your quality of work, it’s the right time to approach an allergist.
- If you have already been diagnosed with various disorders like diabetes, cardiac issues, and thyroid problems, allergies can imply many subclinical symptoms, thus making it mandatory to visit the allergist.
Types of allergies:
- Food allergy:
There are food allergies due to the inability of the immune system to respond properly to certain ingredients. This is common specifically in those with a faulty immune system. Lactose intolerance is one of the types of food allergies.
- Seasonal Allergy:
As the title suggests, seasonal allergies are those with a seasonal or a climatic origin. Some people suffer from Allergic Rhinitis and Bronchitis during cold climatic conditions.
- Chemical Allergy:
Various chemicals impact the human system in various ways. Perfumes, lotions, creams and body sprays are made up of chemicals that may trigger an allergic reaction.
- Medical allergies:
Medications play a crucial role in our lives. Some over-the-counter drugs relieve us of certain undue symptoms whereas some makeshift medications offer symptomatic relief from health concerns. Nonetheless, some drugs can alter the way the immune system functions in some people. It may lead to medical allergies.
What can you expect during your first visit to the allergist?
Your allergist will inspect each of your symptoms thoroughly. The allergist might ask for your medical history, family history of allergies, Asthma or Bronchitis. You might have to explain your medicinal histories such as your current medications or previous medications. Your skin may be subjected to checks.
How can the Allergist help you?
The initial visit will involve your tests for probable allergies. The results will warrant the inclusion of various treatments which may include but may not be restricted to:
- Prescription medicines
- Avoidance of foods or environments clinically rendered as the triggers
- Allergy shots
- Changes in the lifestyle to minimize the symptoms, specifically, if the allergies are associated with environmental factors or food
