Sometimes, when the body comes in contact with certain foreign substances, the immune system may recognize them as harmful substances and respond by producing antibodies (immunoglobulin E or IgE). These foreign substances are called allergens that trigger the immune system's reaction. The antibodies then bind to allergy cells found in the skin, respiratory tract (airways), and the mucus membrane in the hollow organs.
Once the antibodies find the allergens in your body, they try to eliminate them, and the body releases chemicals like histamine. This causes an "allergic reaction" in the body, which manifests as physical symptoms. Subsequently, this reaction leads to the development of inflammation in your skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system, commonly known as an allergy.
Who are allergists?
Allergists and immunologists are doctors of medicine (MDs) who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating allergies, asthma, and primary immunodeficiency disorders. They perform specific tests to determine what triggers an allergic reaction, and then, depending on the severity of the response, they create treatment plans best suited for the patient. Standard allergy tests include- blood tests, patch tests, nasal means, and pulmonary function tests (to detect asthma). They offer treatments such as over-the-counter medication and antihistamines for minor or mild allergies.
The training and education required to become an allergist in the US takes an average of 13 years. First, aspiring allergists need to complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree with majors in the sciences such as biology, chemistry or mathematics. Next, they need to attend medical school for 4 years for a medical degree; after which they are required to complete a 3-year residency in pediatrics or internal medicine. Once they are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics or the American Board of Internal Medicine, it is necessary for them to pursue a 2-year fellowship in allergy and immunology.
However, some allergic reactions may cause an anaphylactic shock, a reaction that occurs minutes after coming into contact with an allergen and requires immediate medical attention. For such emergencies, allergists prescribe an epinephrine pen, which works quickly to stimulate the heart, improve breathing, and reduce inflammation or swelling.
What conditions can allergists treat?
Allergists treat some of the common chronic health issues prevalent in the United States, i.e., asthma and various types of allergies. Some of the conditions an allergist near you treat include:
- Asthma and frequent coughing: Patients affected by asthma have airways that get inflamed, narrow, and swell. They also produce extra mucus, which can make breathing difficult and cause wheezing (whistling sound while taking a breath) and shortness of breath. Airborne allergens, such as mites, mold, pet dander, cockroach waste particles, respiratory diseases, common cold, physical activity, cold air, and air pollutants like smoke can cause asthma or trigger an asthmatic attack.
- Skin allergies, including contact dermatitis, hives, and eczema: These can occur when the skin comes in contact with certain types of metals, medicines, insect stings, animals, or chemicals used at home or your workplace. Certain plants (for example, poison ivy and poison oak) can also trigger allergic reactions and cause contact dermatitis, resulting in itchy red rashes on the skin. An allergist may recommend antibiotics, antihistamines, or injectable biologic therapy to treat your skin allergy.
- Food allergies: These can lead to mild symptoms due to food sensitivity or even severe reactions. Some common food groups causing food allergies include milk and dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish (crustaceans), wheat, soy, and sesame. Signs of a food allergy can appear on the skin or in the gastrointestinal tract. Vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, and swelling of the tongue may indicate a food allergy.
- Sinusitis: Sinusitis, also called rhinosinusitis, is the inflammation of the sinus tissues caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections or allergies, leading to blockage, facial pressure, nasal congestion, and pain. Acute sinusitis (lasting less than 4 weeks) is often viral, while subacute (4-12 weeks) and chronic (12+ weeks) cases are typically bacterial; recurrent sinusitis involves frequent episodes. Fungal sinusitis is more serious than other forms, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Common triggers include colds, flu, and allergies. While most cases resolve on their own, untreated infections can lead to life-threatening infections. Treatment and management depend on the cause.
- Latex allergies: A latex allergy is an immune reaction to proteins in natural rubber latex derived from rubber trees. Symptoms range from skin irritation (itching, rash, hives) to hay fever-like reactions (sneezing, watery eyes) or severe respiratory issues. Repeated exposure can worsen reactions. There are two types of latex allergies. The first is IgE-mediated (type I hypersensitivity), which can lead to potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. The second is contact dermatitis (cell-mediated or Type IV), which can cause delayed rash from chemicals in latex or skin irritation. Everyday latex products that can cause latex allergies include medical gloves, balloons, and condoms. Severe reactions (swelling, breathing difficulty) require emergency care.
- Eosinophilic disorders: Eosinophilia, defined as ≥500 eosinophils per microliter of blood, occurs when eosinophil (one of several white blood cells that support your immune system) counts are abnormally high. These white blood cells combat allergens, fungi, and parasites. Causes range from allergies, asthma, and drug reactions to infections (mainly parasitic), autoimmune diseases, blood cancers, or genetic factors. Severity varies—mild cases may involve allergies, while severe cases can indicate blood disorders or organ damage. When eosinophils cause tissue inflammation, eosinophilic disorders arise, named by affected organs eosinophilic cystitis (bladder), eosinophilic fasciitis (connective tissue), eosinophilic pneumonia (lungs), EGID (gastrointestinal tract), EGPA (lungs, heart, sinuses), and hypereosinophilic syndrome (multi-organ). Symptoms depend on the underlying condition and may not always appear.
When should you consult an allergist?
If you frequently get sick and suspect you may be allergic to a particular substance, you should consult an allergist.
You can visit an allergist near you for the following reasons:
- You have tingling sensations in the mouth or swelling on your lips, tongue, face, or throat after eating a specific type of food (for example- shellfish, eggs, peanuts, soy, and wheat).
- You face skin issues like eczema or atopic dermatitis, which can cause the skin to peel or become red and flaky.
- You have watery and red swollen eyes accompanied by itching and burning.
- You already have asthma or have frequent asthma attacks despite taking your medications.
- You suspect a reaction to one or more medications (drug allergy). Visit an allergist if your face swells up and you get rashes and itchy skin after taking a prescription or over-the-counter medication.
- Antihistamines and nonprescription medicines do not help control your allergy symptoms or cause severe side effects.
- You may have seasonal allergies if you get sick only during certain times of the year in particular environments.
- Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, sudden drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and swelling of the throat and tongue may indicate anaphylaxis. In such cases, individuals must call 911 or local emergency services. If you already have an epinephrine injection (an EpiPen or Auvi-Q), ensure you use it immediately to control the allergic reaction and see an allergist even if you have a severe allergic reaction under control.
Find an allergist near you in Los Angeles, CA
An allergist can help you or your child identify any allergies to food, pollen, or medication before you come in contact with those allergens. Early detection of allergies could also help save a life.
However, finding a qualified allergist within a short period may be challenging.
On Zocdoc, users can easily find qualified healthcare professionals in their area or neighborhood within a couple of minutes and a few clicks. Users can book a video or in-person consultation with a provider and see them within 24 hours, on the same day, before 10 a.m., after 5 p.m., or even on the weekends, depending on the provider's availability.
To book an appointment with an allergist near you, visit the Zocdoc website and enter your condition or symptoms, location, insurance plan, and the date you wish to consult an allergist. Then, browse through the given list of top-rated allergists in your area and select one based on distance, wait time, gender, time of day, hospital affiliation, whether they treat children or not, and insurance plans accepted. If your insurance plan isn't listed on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card (a feature not available for vision or dental cards). We'll scan it and suggest your likely plan. If you need help uploading the image, contact our support team and visit Zocdoc's patient help center for any insurance-related query.
Furthermore, you can browse each allergist's profile and select one based on their medical education and background. Each doctor's profile includes their clinical training, specialties, common reasons patients see them, licensures, awards, and certifications earned. You can also read honest and verified patient reviews to understand how that provider helped other patients with similar conditions.
All bookings on Zocdoc are fast, free, and secure!
Statistics for conditions treated by allergists in Los Angeles, California
One of the most common reasons Americans visit an allergist is due to asthma. As per the American Lung Association, in 2023, nearly 103,311 kids are at risk of pediatric asthma, and approximately 686,458 adults are at risk of asthma in Los Angeles. Following the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America data, in 2021, one of the western cities that climbed into the Top 20 Asthma Capitals was Fresno, California (ranked at number 19). This data was based on the estimated asthma-related fatalities, emergency department visits due to asthma, and asthma prevalence.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of asthma emergency department visits decreased from 62.6 per 10,000 in 2010 to 46.4 per 10,000 in 2019.
A 2023 report published by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America stated that Los Angeles ranked 75 on the list of top allergy capitals of 2023. In the list, the figures given for all pollen (tree, grass, and weed) present in the city were rated worse than average. Meanwhile, medicine use was rated better than average, and allergy specialists accessible in the area were average.
Sources
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Cleveland Clinic[3]
Cleveland Clinic[4]
WebMD
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology[1]
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology[2]
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology[3]
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology[4]
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology[5]
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America[1]
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America[2]
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America[3]
American Lung Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
University of Medicine and Health Sciences
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