Who is an allergist?
An allergist is a medical expert specially trained in diagnosing and treating allergies and immune system-related disorders like immunologic anomalies, including early-stage immunodeficiency disorders and asthma. Allergists, also known as immunologists, deeply understand how the human body reacts to infections that may lead to specific allergies.
An individual can be allergic to several things; however, the most common allergic conditions are related to pollen, dander, food, and medications. Studies show that about 50% of people worldwide are allergic to something. While these allergies may not be 100% curable, allergists can help manage them.
Educational qualifications of an allergist
Allergists require special training in the field of immunology, with an emphasis on allergies. Typically, allergists/immunologists in the U.S. undergo the following education plan before commencing medical practice.
They start with a four-year bachelor's degree at a university or college and another four years at an accredited medical school. After eight years of education, they complete a three-year residency specializing in internal medicine or pediatrics.
To better understand allergy-driven complications, they complete a two- to three-year fellowship where they are exposed to various allergy-related diagnoses and treatment techniques.
Most physicians take approximately nine years to complete their specialized education. During this period, they must clear exams conducted by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, or the American Board of Pediatrics.
What are the conditions that an allergist treats?
As allergies are common in nature, their intensity and variation can differ from person to person. To get a fair understanding of the common conditions treated by allergists, we have listed some, but not limited to, immunological conditions, such as:
- Asthma: This chronic condition causes inflammation and excess mucus in the airways, impairing your breathing ability. Asthma can also induce coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.
- Allergic rhinitis: It is also commonly called hay fever; this allergic reaction causes painful swelling in the nose and airways.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Once a person encounters an allergen, this allergic reaction causes eye inflammation.
- Atopic dermatitis: It's a form of eczema that causes a red, itchy skin rash. Underlying allergies often trigger such conditions.
- Urticaria: A food or medication allergy can lead to red, itchy welts on the skin. Also known as hives, these welts may develop after contacting an environmental allergen, such as animal dander, or crop up as an autoimmune reaction.
- Eosinophilic esophagitis: This is a form of esophageal tissue damage caused by excessive accumulation of white blood cells in the food pipe.
- Primary immunodeficiency diseases: When different types of immune cells or proteins malfunction or a deficiency occurs, you may have specific immunodeficiency-led allergies.
- Autoinflammatory syndromes: Hyperactive immune response can trigger instantaneous inflammation.
When should you visit an allergist near you?
Some allergic reactions only surface in the initial stages, while others may not reveal significant symptoms in the early days. Hence, if over-the-counter medicines are not providing the desired remedy, it's advisable to visit an allergist for a suitable clinical review. Consider consulting an immunologist or an allergist if you are experiencing any of the below-mentioned issues.
Viruses or bacteria may not cause allergies, but they can compromise your immune system, thus making you susceptible to ear infections or chronic sinus. Allergic inflammation can block your eustachian tubes or sinus, preventing them from clearing up. Visit an allergist as soon as possible to stop these annoying symptoms.
Some allergies can block your sinus cavity by causing significant inflammation. This condition can lead to trouble breathing, snoring, sleep disturbance, or insomnia.
Recurring mouth and throat irritation can occur due to food allergies. Unlike peanut or shellfish allergies, most food allergies don't have a tell-tale symptom initially. Allergists have training in safely testing food allergies and recommend remedial measures accordingly.
Common allergic symptoms to look out for
Allergy symptoms vary depending on which substance, i.e., the allergen, is involved in causing a reaction. These symptoms generally appear in the body's airways, nasal and sinus passages, and the digestive system. Often, allergy symptoms develop gradually over time. If you frequently become sick with a cold, cough, congestion, or headaches, consider visiting an allergist near you. Allergic reactions or allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening.
Other reasons to visit an allergist include the following:
- You get sick only during certain times of the year in particular environments (seasonal allergies).
- You have tingling sensations in the mouth or swelling on your lips, tongue, face, or throat after eating specific types of food.
- You have an insect bite that causes itching or hives all over the body, swelling at the sting site, and coughing or shortness of breath.
- You have itching in just one body part (localized pruritus).
- You have a drug allergy, i.e., your face swells up, and you get rashes and itchy skin after taking a prescription or over-the-counter medication.
- You wheeze or cough often, especially during or after exercise and at night.
- You have skin issues like eczema or atopic dermatitis, which can cause the skin to peel or become red and flaky.
- Over-the-counter or nonprescription medicines do not help in controlling your allergy symptoms.
- You already have asthma or have frequent asthma attacks despite taking your medications.
What are some diagnostic tests recommended by an allergist?
In your first visit to the physician, the allergist would try to understand your dietary details, exposure to specific environments, proximity to animals, etc. They may advise some tests to further help in their diagnosis. Some of the standard allergy-identifying tests are:
Patch tests include small amounts of various allergens placed on an adhesive stick and applied to the skin to check the reaction. The second is a skin test, almost like a patch test. The only difference is that allergens have direct contact with the skin. These tests help identify if the patient is allergic to particular objects.
To identify asthma tendencies among patients, allergists use these two tests. Spirometry is a simple in-office test performed using a spirometer. The patient must breathe in and out of the instrument to test their lung performance.
The bronchoprovocation challenge is another test that involves inhaling cold air or aerosolized chemicals or performing some exercises.
Doctors can recommend a food challenge or elimination diet test to identify food allergies. In the food challenge test, the patient has to consume a tiny amount of a particular type of food to see if there's any allergic reaction.
An elimination diet test is a lengthy procedure where specific suspected allergens get eliminated from the diet for three to six weeks. Then, gradually, they are reintroduced one at a time to check which allergen triggers a reaction. The elimination diet test is particularly effective in identifying gluten and lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.
Can allergies be cured?
As per the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergies cannot be cured completely. However, depending on your allergy, treatment options might be available to manage your allergic symptoms. An example is immunotherapy, a preventative treatment for people allergic to pollens, dust mites, and bee venom.
This method involves gradually dosing the patient with the allergen they are allergic to. It may cause the immune system to produce a 'blocking antibody,' which reduces allergy symptoms when the patient encounters that substance again. These incremental increases eventually help the immune system become less sensitive to that allergen. Therefore, immunotherapy may decrease the risks of a severe allergic reaction and help patients live more comfortably.
Only in some cases will individuals outgrow their allergies. Children, for example, may be allergic to foods like soy, eggs, milk, or wheat when young, but they might outgrow these allergies when they become adults. It is important to note that outgrowing your allergies is not guaranteed, and it is difficult to predict when or how a person will outgrow their allergies.
Which allergies are more prevalent in women?
Many believe seasonal allergies are mostly prevalent during spring when pollen counts are high. However, women face unique challenges when it comes to allergies that men may not experience. Understanding the common allergens affecting most women is crucial to avoiding the symptoms these allergies cause.
- Makeup: Makeup is a common allergen that can cause irritation, particularly eye makeup. Redness, itching, or watering eyes are common issues women face due to makeup allergies. Switching to a different water-based brand may help combat the problem. Base makeup such as primer, foundation, or blush can also cause skin allergies. Hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic makeup products are less likely to cause allergic reactions or skin breakouts. Removing makeup before bed and going for extended periods without applying makeup can also be helpful.
- Nasal allergies: Nasal allergies caused by pollen and pet dander are common among women. However, many women can be mildly allergic to the perfume or body spray they use regularly. Switching scents can help relieve symptoms. Using a vaporizer during the day and while sleeping can also help clear nasal allergy symptoms. Vaporizers convert water into a warm mist released into the air. They can be quite cost-effective, and there's even some evidence that these devices may benefit overall skin health when used regularly.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, many women may experience allergies they did not have before. Pregnant women tend to experience the most common allergies related to pet dander, dust, pollen, and fungus. Makeup and scent allergies may also become more apparent and bothersome. It is advisable to avoid makeup or switch to different products. Using a vaporizer to manage nasal allergies can be beneficial.
What is anaphylaxis?
While most people experience mild to moderate allergy symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose in their lifetime, others may experience a more severe allergic reaction. This is called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Such severe reactions may occur in one part of the body or happen in the whole body at the same time. Anaphylaxis typically happens suddenly without much warning and progresses quickly. They can occur within seconds or minutes after exposure to the allergen. Some severe reactions may occur after several hours, mainly if the allergen is a food and leads to an allergic reaction after it has been consumed. In very rare cases, reactions develop after 24 hours. It is also important to note that a second anaphylactic reaction, also known as a biphasic reaction (a second wave of symptoms after the first symptoms go away), can occur 12 hours after the initial reaction has happened.
In this state, anaphylaxis begins affecting a patient's breathing and/or cardiovascular system, and the patient can lose consciousness. Some common symptoms include- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, a rapid or weak pulse, nausea and vomiting, swollen lips, throat, nose, or tongue, wheezing, trouble swallowing, sudden drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate or weak pulse, tightness in the throat, sudden weakness, and cardiac arrest.
If you or someone experiences the symptoms of an anaphylactic shock, seek emergency medical care immediately. Make a call to 911 or a local emergency number right away. If you have allergies and your doctor has given you an epinephrine auto-injector, it should be taken as soon as you start feeling a severe reaction. Note that it is necessary to see your doctor or an allergist even if your symptoms subside.
How to prevent an anaphylactic reaction
Individuals with allergies who have never experienced an anaphylactic reaction have the possibility of experiencing it in the future. Those who have asthma, certain conditions like heart disease and mastocytosis, or have had a previous severe allergic reaction are at risk of having one in the future as well.
While the best way to prevent anaphylaxis is to avoid the allergen causing it, there are some other ways that you can take precautions and be prepared in case of an emergency:
- Wear a medical alert necklace or bracelet so that others can recognize that you have a severe allergy to specific substances and take action if you ever experience allergic symptoms.
- Always keep an emergency kit of your doctor-prescribed medications with you. Make sure that your epinephrine injection is not expired, and refill your prescriptions on time.
- If you are allergic to insect bites, wear long sleeves and shirts, do not walk barefoot on the grass, and avoid drinking from soda cans that have been left open for a long time. If you happen to be near a stinging insect, stay calm and move away from it slowly.
- If you are eating at a restaurant, make sure you inform the staff about your allergies. Even the tiniest amount of allergen can lead to anaphylaxis.
- Carefully read a food label before consuming any food. The manufacturing processes of packaged foods change often and can include ingredients that were not in them before.
- Always have an action plan. No matter how cautious you are, a severe reaction can still occur. Learning how to respond effectively in an emergency can help save your life.
Tips to keep allergies away
During allergy season, it's essential to reduce your exposure to allergens. Here are some tips to help you breathe easier:
- Stay inside at midday, when pollen levels are typically at their peak, and check the pollen forecast regularly.
- Wear big sunglasses on windy days to protect your eyes from irritants.
- To keep pollen out, keep your windows closed, turn your air conditioner on "re-circulate," and change your air filters frequently.
- Before going to bed at night, take a shower to rinse off pollen from your body.
Locate a top-rated allergist near you in Silver Spring, Maryland
Allergic reactions are individual-specific, i.e., one person may be allergic to a specific food substance. In contrast, another member in the same family may not be allergic to that same food element. Thus, a competent allergist studies each case with minute attention to identify the root cause of the allergic complication.
Now that we have identified how they can help, let's find the best allergist in your area — Silver Spring, Maryland. Zocdoc is a portal that helps connect the right specialist with patients using an extensive doctor directory. Patients can find doctors by filtering using search parameters like location, condition, symptoms, gender, language, etc.
Additionally, Zocdoc allows you to filter your search only to find in-network allergists who accept your insurance plan. You can do so by manually entering your insurance plan on the website/app and filtering your search results. If this does not help you find your particular health plan, you can upload a photo of your insurance card. Once you upload a photo, Zocdoc will scan the image of your card and show you a plan that best matches your card. Note that this option is available for medical insurance cards only. Dental and vision are excluded. If you need help uploading your insurance card, contact Zocdoc's service team, which is available 365 days a year to answer all your queries. You can also visit Zocdoc's patient help center for answers to other insurance-related questions.
Following your search terms, an extensive list of doctors will appear. Patients can identify the best specialist by checking individual doctor profiles that contain their educational qualifications, accreditations, awards, expertise, and, most importantly — verified patient reviews.
After filtering and a thorough examination, you can book an in-person or virtual consultation with your chosen provider. When ready, go ahead with a hassle-free appointment scheduling process on Zocdoc and choose from different appointment slots — same day, after 24 hours, and on the weekend.
All bookings through Zocdoc are safe, secure, and free.
Vital statistics related to allergists in the United States
According to a 2018 study by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, more than 50 million people in the U.S. get different types of allergies yearly. The same research reveals that nearly 24 million people in the U.S. suffer from hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis).
Almost 90,000 emergency patients yearly complain of severe food-related allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Food allergies in kids aged 0-17 increased from 3.4 % to 5.1% between 1997 and 2011. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states this in a 2013 research. This is a 50% increase.
A 2020 Medscape report states asthma affects about 300 million people globally. Based on another 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dataset, Maryland had about 451,158 current asthma cases. Whereas the mortality-adjusted death rate per million is 11.2.
Roughly 40% of the U.S. population is affected by allergic conjunctivitis. However, only a small percentage of affected people seek medical care. Urticaria affects around 14-25% of the general population, with young adults most exposed to this allergy.
The eight most typical food allergens cause 90% of food allergies in the U.S. Here are the food items: milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, fish, wheat, and crustacean shellfish. In Maryland, the main allergens are tree pollen, mold, grasses, ragweed, pets, and dust mites.
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American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology[5]
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