Book 25+ of the best Allergists near me in St Louis, MO

What is an allergy?

An allergic reaction is the body's exaggerated response to a foreign substance, such as a food product, inhaled dust, or mold. This specific substance can trigger different reactions or responses in some people. An allergen is a substance or chemical that results in an allergic response in the body.

The immune system produces chemicals called antibodies when it comes in contact with a harmless allergen. Inflammation of the lungs, digestive system, sinuses, nasal passages, and skin may result from the immune system's reaction. 

Allergies can range in intensity from mild to severe. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening situation that can occur in extreme cases. You may feel a little irritated when you begin to develop an allergy. Despite the lack of a permanent cure for most allergies, allergists suggest therapies that can alleviate the symptoms.

Who is an allergist?

Allergists treat chronic and recurrent illnesses like allergic rhinitis, asthma, chronic cough, eczema, hives, and angioedema. The allergist-immunologist educates and monitors patients suffering from the abovementioned conditions, including explaining the disease process and the risks and benefits of various treatments.

These trained professionals perform and interpret various diagnostic procedures. Some include skin and laboratory allergy testing to determine the specific allergen. Other forms of testing are bronchoprovocation tests for asthma, food and drug allergy testing and desensitization, immunotherapy (allergy shots), and immune system testing.

Education and training of allergists

Like most medical professionals, allergists must go to medical school. They complete four years of undergraduate study before beginning a four-year medical school program, followed by a three-year residency to become board-certified in internal medicine or pediatrics, depending on their specialty. 

Allergy and immunology fellowships are also required. To practice allergy treatment in the United States, one must pass an exam administered by the American Board of Pediatrics or the American Board of Internal Medicine, followed by an exam authorized by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.

Considerable training is required to understand, diagnose, and treat various allergies because pollen, dander, drug, and food allergies are the most common. Because of their extensive expertise, these specialists can diagnose and treat acne, food intolerances (including gluten intolerance), and other skin disorders.

What are the different types of allergies?

Your immune system must identify a particular substance as potentially toxic to you for an allergic reaction to develop. Depending on the cause, allergies can take various forms, including seasonal and year-round. In some cases, allergies are lifelong. 

It is essential to consult your doctor to develop a strategy for managing your allergy. A simple way to prevent an allergy is to be aware of different allergens and avoid them. Some common types of allergies are:

• Drug allergy- Only a tiny percentage of people are genuinely allergic to medicines. Most drug reactions are not allergic but result from subpar quality. The patient's medical history and ongoing symptoms are usually all that's needed to make a diagnosis of a drug reaction. Another method of determining whether a patient has a medication allergy is to perform skin testing.
• Food allergy- Food allergies lead to various symptoms, including persistent diarrhea and vomiting. IgE-mediated allergies, non-IgE-mediated allergies, and food intolerances all have distinct characteristics. Lactose intolerance is a common type of intolerance, which can cause severe gas and bloat.
• Insect allergy- The most frequent stinging insects that trigger an allergic reaction include bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants. These attacks can prove fatal quickly if not treated in time. Non-stinging insects can also trigger allergies. Cockroaches and the insect-like dust mite are the most common. Allergies to these two types of insects are the leading cause of seasonal allergies and asthma in children and adults alike.
• Latex allergy- Latex allergy is an allergic response or reaction to natural rubber or latex. Certain rubber items like condoms, disposable gloves, and balloons contain latex. A latex allergy can be extremely dangerous to one's health.
• Mold allergy- Organisms like mold and mildew are fungi. Allergies to fungus can develop year-round due to their widespread distribution indoors and outdoors.
• Animal allergy- Many people are allergic to furry pets. It is crucial to know that no hypoallergenic (allergy-free) breed of dog or cat exists.
• Pollen allergy- Seasonal allergies usually occur because of pollen. The general public also calls pollen allergies 'hay fever,' whereas medical professionals prefer calling it 'seasonal allergic rhinitis.'

What is allergy testing?

By assessing how your immune system reacts, allergy testing helps detect foreign substances (allergens), such as mold, bee stings, and pet dander. An overreaction produces antibodies called immunoglobulin (IgE) and triggers the release of chemicals responsible for allergic reactions. Allergy tests are of various types, including:

• Skin prick (scratch) test: Using a thin needle containing 10-50 allergens, your healthcare provider pricks the skin on your back or forearm. Alternatively, they might place drops of possible allergens on your skin, lightly scratch and puncture the area using a device, and allow the droplets to enter your skin. Any allergic reaction should occur within 15 minutes. This test helps check for food, airborne, and penicillin allergies.
• Intradermal skin test: If the results from your prick test are negative or inconclusive, your allergist recommends an intradermal skin test to check for airborne allergens, insect stings, and medications. During this test, they inject small amounts of potential allergens into your epidermis (the outer layer of your skin) and wait for reactions. 
• Blood IgE test: For this test, your allergist collects your blood sample and then sends it to the lab, where a healthcare provider adds allergens to the sample and measures the level of IgE antibodies in it. However, this test has a high risk of returning false-positive results.
• Patch test: Allergists use this test to check for contact dermatitis. During the test, they place a few drops of an allergen on the skin of your arm and cover it with a bandage. You must leave the bandage on and return to their office within 48-96 hours, after which they remove it and inspect your skin for any reactions.

What are seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, encompass any allergy occurring in a particular season. Its triggers vary from one season to another and are listed below:

• Spring: Pollen from trees like birch, cedar, willow, and poplar
• Summer: Certain grasses (ryegrass, timothy grass, etc.) and weeds
• Fall: Pollen from ragweed, mugworts, nettles, sorrels, etc.
• Winter: Indoor allergens like mold, dust mites, and pet dander

Common symptoms of hay fever include:

• Sneezing
• Ear congestion
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Scratchy throat, sinuses, or ear canals

Seasonal allergies might be more severe for menstruating women, as higher levels of hormones like estrogen can worsen specific symptoms, including itchy eyes and runny noses.

When should you see an allergist?

You should see an allergist, depending on your allergy symptoms. These symptoms often appear gradually over time and generally occur in the body's airways, nasal and sinus passages, and the digestive system. If you frequently become sick and suspect you may be allergic to a particular substance, consider visiting an allergist near you. Allergic reactions or allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening.

An allergist can help manage your allergies, reduce the risk of severe reactions, and improve your overall quality of life.  

If you are unsure about seeing an allergist, consider the following reasons to visit one: 

• If 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)
• If you face skin issues like eczema or atopic dermatitis, which can cause the skin to peel or become red and flaky
• If your eyes are often watery, red, or swollen, accompanied by itching and burning
• If you already have asthma or have frequent asthma attacks despite taking your medications
• If you wheeze or cough often, especially at night or during or after exercise
• If you have chronic sinus infections or ear infections 
• Suppose you suspect a reaction to one or more medications (drug allergy). Visit an allergist if your face swells up, you get rashes, or you have itchy skin after taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
• If antihistamines and nonprescription medicines do not help control your allergy symptoms or cause severe side effects
• If you have seasonal allergies or get sick only during certain times of the year
• If you have an insect bite that causes hives all over the body and swelling at the sting site
• Itching all over the body or in just one particular part of the body
• If you struggle with sleeping or snore during sleep
• 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 that immediately to control the allergic reaction and see an allergist even if you have a severe allergic reaction under control.

What should you expect when visiting an allergist for the first time?

Your first visit to an allergist may seem daunting. However, the following tips can help you be better prepared by making your session predictable.

Your allergist will likely ask for your complete family medical history, so be ready with as much information as possible about any allergies in your family, especially if your allergies are food-related.

They may also ask about your medical history, including any childhood allergies. Bring any relevant medical records, or ask your referring doctor to transfer them before your visit. This will help your allergist understand any longstanding issues contributing to your current problems.

The allergist may ask about any medications you have tried in the past to manage your allergy symptoms and whether any have been effective. You can carry a list so the doctor can review them.

Go prepared with questions you may want to ask during the appointment. Some examples include:

• How do I change my environment or lifestyle to prevent symptoms?
• What should I expect from the recommended treatment?
• Are there any side effects to the prescribed medications?
• What tests are available to determine the cause of my allergic reactions?

Your provider will likely examine your nose, throat, skin, and lungs as part of the initial assessment. If they suspect food or airborne allergies, you may need to undergo certain tests.

The allergist will recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on the test results. This could include allergy shots, avoiding triggers, prescription medications, or lifestyle changes.

Do not hesitate to follow up with your allergist if you have any questions after your appointment. They may schedule a follow-up, mainly if medications are prescribed.

Finding an allergist near you in Saint Louis, MO 

For allergic disorders, connecting with the right allergist or immunologist is necessary to obtain immediate, high-quality medical care. Zocdoc is happy to help you find a suitable allergist in Saint Louis to provide the proper treatment.

Visit our website, Zocdoc.com, to easily make an appointment with a highly rated allergist with only a few clicks. State your condition, the day and time of your choosing, your location, and the name of your insurance provider. 

If your insurance plan is not listed on Zocdoc, try uploading a photo of your card. We will scan the image and display the most suitable plan. If you are experiencing problems uploading a picture of your card, please get in touch with our service team. Moreover, for any insurance-related questions, contact Zocdoc's patient help center.

After that, you can access a directory of the best allergists in Saint Louis. Be sure to read through the in-depth profiles of each provider to learn as much as possible about them, including their background, education, experience, training, specialty, affiliations, and honors. Before choosing a practitioner, you can also read patient reviews, which are constantly verified.

Depending on their availability, you may also schedule appointments with allergists on the weekends. Thanks to Zocdoc, searching for an allergist near you and booking appointments with them is simple, secure, and free!

Vital statistics you should know about allergies

According to an article published on WebMD, allergies are the sixth most common reason for people to suffer from chronic illness in the United States. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) stated in one of its reports that more than 100 million citizens in the United States suffer from some allergic reaction.

According to the St. Louis Family Allergy Foundation, spring typically lasts from March through May, and trees release vast amounts of pollen in St. Louis, Missouri. Oak, cedar, hickory, walnut, and ash trees are among the most common causes of tree pollen allergies in St. Louis. Coughing, runny noses, itchy eyes, redness of the eyes, and sinus pressure are only some of the symptoms of tree pollen allergies in St. Louis that vary from person to person.

According to reports by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), Missouri law advises schools to maintain a stock of asthmatic medicines available in an emergency. The state also advises nurses to keep prefilled epinephrine for administration during emergencies.

Sources

St. Louis Family Allergy

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America[1]

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America[2]

Medical News Today

WebMD[1] 

WebMD[2]

Mayo Clinic

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Healthline[1]

Healthline[2]

Penn Medicine

Cleveland Clinic

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.