Who is an allergist?
An allergist is a medical professional treating diseases related to the immune system. Your immune system comprises unique cells, organs, and tissues that prevent diseases. An allergist can treat different immune system conditions like:
- Allergies and allergic disorders: Your immune system overreacts when you eat, breathe in (inhale), or touch something that causes allergies.
- Asthma: A condition in which your lung's airways become inflamed. Asthma attacks typically arise due to environmental stimuli.
- Primary immunodeficiency disorder: Your immune system cannot function if you have these genetic disorders.
Who is a pediatric allergist?
A pediatric allergist or immunologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies, eczema, asthma, and other immune disorders in children. Pediatric allergists identify the causes and triggers of a child's allergies and recommend preventive and therapeutic measures to lessen the severity and frequency of allergies.
Educational qualification of a pediatric allergist
Pediatric allergists are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO). Their educational qualification includes the following:
- Four years of medical school
- Three years of primary residency training in pediatrics
- Two to three years of training in allergy and immunology
After completing the medical training, doctors must pass a test conducted by the American Board of Pediatrics or the American Board of Internal Medicine. In addition, trainees must complete a two-year fellowship in allergy and immunology to become certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. The board certification for these specializations requires retaking the exam every ten years.
Common pediatric allergies
Some common symptoms of allergies in children are skin rashes, upset stomach, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes. The most common allergic conditions in children include:
- Hay fever or allergic rhinitis: Symptoms are runny nose, itchy nose, watery eyes, red eyes, ear problems, postnasal drip, and nasal blockage. The common name, hay fever, is unassociated with the symptoms. Contrary to the name, hay does not trigger the condition, and fever is not a symptom. Excessive exposure to household pets, house dust mites, allergens, or indoor molds at school or the office may cause a chronic allergic reaction or allergies that last all year round.
- Food allergies: Children are allergic to various food substances. Some children are sensitized while breastfeeding as they show allergic reactions to some foods mothers consume. Children are primarily allergic to milk and peanuts. Other foods that act as triggers are tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, and mushrooms. Most children typically grow from milk, wheat, and soy allergies.
- Pet allergies: Pets in the house can also cause allergies in children. Allergens from your pets are dander or dead skin cells, fur, saliva, urine, and fur. Consider having your child tested for animal allergies if they experience sneezing and wheezing after handling or playing with a pet.
Services provided by a pediatric allergist
Pediatric allergists use the following procedures to test or diagnose allergies:
- Skin testing: For skin testing, an allergist will prick the skin on your child's upper back or arm with a small device containing the potential allergen. If the child is allergic to that specific allergen, the pricked area will be red and inflamed in approximately 15 minutes and look like a mosquito bite. The allergen is specifically selected based on family concerns.
- Spirometry testing: This test tests lung functions, diagnoses asthma, and measures an asthmatic patient's response to treatment. The doctor asks the patient to blow in the device, a spirometer, for six seconds.
- Blood testing: Skin problems in some patients may prevent accurate skin-prick allergy testing. Instead, the doctor may administer blood tests to those individuals to gauge their levels of antibodies (immunoglobulin E or IgE) directed against particular allergens.
- Patch tests: Patch tests, such as those for nickel and cosmetic ingredients, are performed for allergies for which a prick test is unavailable. The procedure involves taping a patch containing a tiny amount of allergen to the back of the patient. The patch is removed and checked for reactions after two days.
- Food and drug challenges: Food or drug challenges test if a child is allergic to the food or drug of concern. The doctor administers a tiny amount of the concerned substance to the patient. They then slowly increased the amount while monitoring vital signs and symptoms of reactions.
Common allergies affecting women
You might think allergies only strike in spring when pollen fills the air, but women face unique allergy challenges all year round. From makeup to nasal irritants, here's what you need to know to stay allergy-free:
- Allergies during pregnancy: During pregnancy, allergies can pop up or worsen. Avoiding makeup with irritants and using a vaporizer can help manage symptoms.
- Nasal allergies: Pollen, pet dander, or perfume may trigger nasal allergies.
- Constant sneezing: If you're constantly sneezing or feeling stuffy, try changing your scent. A home vaporizer can also ease nasal allergy symptoms by adding moisture to the air.
- Makeup allergies: Makeup can be a culprit. Certain products might cause itching or redness, especially eye makeup. Try switching to water-based or mineral-based brands. If that doesn't help, go for hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic options. Remove makeup before bed and take breaks from wearing it to let your skin breathe.
Everyone's allergies are different, so finding what works for you might take trial and error.
What are seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies are also called hay fever. They occur when your immune system reacts too strongly to outdoor allergens like pollen. Less common symptoms may include wheezing, headache, shortness of breath, and coughing. Some people with hay fever also have asthma, and their seasonal allergens may trigger asthma attacks.
Different plants release their pollen at different times, causing seasonal allergies. Common triggers include:
- Fall: Ragweed pollen and other plants like nettles and mugworts.
- Winter: Indoor allergens like mold, pet dander, dust mites, and cockroaches.
- Spring: Tree pollens like birch, cedar, alder, and willow.
- Summer: Grass pollens like ryegrass, timothy grass, and certain weeds.
Seasonal allergies are usually diagnosed based on symptoms at specific times of the year. The physician will check your ears, nose, and throat to confirm the diagnosis. Allergy testing is usually not necessary.
The best way to manage such allergies is to avoid allergens that trigger your symptoms. You can also try medications and alternative treatments.
Over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines can relieve symptoms. The patient may need prescription medications like steroid nasal sprays for severe cases. Allergy shots, a type of immunotherapy, can also desensitize the immune system to allergens.
If the pollen count is high, you must stay indoors, keep windows closed, and consider wearing a dust mask when outdoors. Avoid cigarette smoke, which can worsen symptoms.
Some people find relief with natural remedies like quercetin, Lactobacillus acidophilus, spirulina, and vitamin C, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Remember to check with your doctor before beginning any new treatment, especially if you are pregnant or taking other medications.
What is primary immunodeficiency disorder?
Primary immunodeficiency (PI) disorder is a condition that occurs when the body's immune system fails to function correctly. People with PI or weak immune systems are prone to sickness and infections. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 PI conditions are based on severity and detection period. All states in the US mandate testing for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a variety of PI, during newborn screenings.
PI disorders are detected soon after childbirth and can cause problems during infancy. In other cases, a patient with mild PI throughout childhood may discover they have the illness as an adult. The best way to help strengthen the immune system's effectiveness is through timely treatments. The type of treatment, however, depends on the kind of PI detected in the patient.
When should you see an allergist?
Consult an allergist near you or request a recommendation from your family doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- You have severe allergic reactions, including breathing difficulties, hives, or swelling of the face or tongue.
- You want to identify the allergen that is causing your allergies.
- You feel your allergies or asthma are not well-managed despite taking medication or implementing lifestyle changes.
- Allergies or asthma disrupt your quality of life or hinder your ability to participate in work or leisure activities.
- You frequently wheeze, cough, or struggle to catch your breath, particularly after exercising or during the night.
- You are prone to sickness or experience prolonged recovery from mild ailments.
How do you prepare for your first allergist appointment?
If you have scheduled your first appointment with an allergist near you, you should prepare for the visit to have a smooth experience. From what information you should take for your doctor to how you should dress up for the appointment, the comprehensive preparation guide below has all the tips you need to maximize your consultation:
- Maintain an allergy journal: In the days leading up to the appointment, record details such as your symptoms, how often they occur, what time of day they occur, what triggers them, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your quality of life.
- Carry important documents: To complete the initial onboarding formalities, arrive at least 15 minutes early for your appointment, along with your photo ID, insurance card, doctor's referral letter, and payment method.
- Gather health information: In addition to discussing your symptoms, the provider will inquire about other ongoing health conditions, medications and their dosages, and a family history of allergies. So, ensure that you bring your medical records.
- Prepare a list of questions: If you have queries about your condition, treatment plan, management strategies, or prevention, write them down in your journal. You can raise questions like: What are my treatment options? Can you recommend lifestyle changes? Should I be aware of any warning signs?
- Call the allergist's office: A week before your consultation, call the provider's office for instructions on preparing for the allergy testing. For instance, you may have to avoid certain medications for a while to maintain the accuracy of your results.
- Dress appropriately: To make the allergy testing process easy for the provider, wear loose-fitting clothing, such as a sleeveless or short-sleeved top. Additionally, avoid applying creams or lotions, perfume, and other products to your body.
Best allergists near you in the Bronx, NY
We must carefully observe the signs of allergies to manage them before they become severe, as this can affect our daily lives. You can use the Zocdoc website or app to find the best allergist or immunologist in the Bronx. To find the best-qualified allergists, enter your symptoms, location, preferred appointment date, and insurance carrier to access a list of the top allergists. You can also use filters in your search results based on the doctor's gender, practice timing and location, whether they treat children, etc.
Before selecting an allergist, you can conveniently learn about their education, experience, specialties, services offered, practice name and location, insurance accepted, and even the languages they speak on their profiles. Moreover, verified reviews and ratings by past patients will also help you make better decisions.
Select "I'm paying for myself" in the search bar if you do not have insurance coverage. Once you acknowledge you are ready for out-of-pocket expenses, Zocdoc will match you with providers who accept patients without a health plan. For more insurance-related queries, visit our patient help center page.
With Zocdoc, it is simple to book both online and in-person consultations. Depending on the doctor's availability, you can also book appointments on weekends and after 5 pm.
Booking appointments with allergists near you through Zocdoc is fast, free, and secure!
Allergy and asthma statistics in the US and NY
Allergies and other immunologic conditions impact hundreds of millions of children around the globe. For instance, approximately 9 million people in the US have asthma. The CDC estimates that 50 million Americans have allergies. Food allergies are most prevalent in the US, affecting approximately 5.6 million Americans under 18 and about one in every 13 children. Estimates suggest that 6 million children in the US have some form of food allergy.
New York City has the country's highest hospitalizations and asthma-related mortality rates among children and young people, according to the Columbia Centre for Children's Environmental Health. Asthma is the most prevalent cause of hospitalization and child absence from school in the Bronx, New York, one of the poorest counties in the US. The South Bronx and Northern Manhattan have some of the highest asthma-related deaths and illnesses in the US. In 2017, 17% of children aged 13 and younger in the Bronx had been diagnosed with asthma at some point.
Sources
Castle Connolly Top Doctors
HealthyChildren.org
NYC Health
Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic
Women's Health Research Institute
Healthline
Family Allergy & Asthma
Oak Brook Allergists
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