What are allergies?
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 that release chemicals like histamine. These antibodies then react and attack or try to fight off seemingly dangerous substances like germs, viruses, or bacteria. The interaction between antibodies and foreign substances causes an "allergic reaction" in the body, which manifests as physical symptoms. These foreign substances, called allergens, trigger the body's immune system. An allergic reaction subsequently leads to inflammation in your skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system, commonly known as an allergy.
Who is an allergist?
Allergists, also known as immunologists, specialize in treating allergies in children and adults. They train to diagnose allergy-induced asthma and immunologic disorders such as primary immunodeficiency (a weak immune system). Allergists can treat common everyday allergies as well as rare and life-threatening ones. They often treat patients in an outpatient setting but can also offer inpatient services. While many allergists work in clinics and hospitals, others prefer to work in the field of research.
What kind of training and education do allergists receive?
After completing a bachelor's degree, one must complete nine years of training to become an allergist. After finishing medical school, these doctors undergo another three years of pediatrics or internal medicine training. This training is a part of their residency, where they focus on the chosen specialty. They then need to clear an exam conducted by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP).
To attain a fellowship, pediatricians and internists must study immunology for another two years. If an allergist is ABAI-certified, they have cleared the exams conducted by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI). The highest-qualified allergists can have "FAAAAI" and "MD" after their names; FAAAAI stands for Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, while MD stands for Doctor of Medicine.
What is allergy testing?
Allergy testing helps your doctor detect if your immune system overreacts to allergens. Through this test, they can also identify the substances causing your allergy.
During an allergy test, doctors measure your body's response to triggers. Your immune system shows an overreaction if you have an allergy. When your body comes in contact with a foreign substance (allergen), it produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies cause an allergic reaction by triggering the release of certain chemicals in your body. Allergy tests are of different types, including:
- Patch test: Doctors use this test to identify the causes of contact dermatitis. They perform the test by placing drops of potential allergens on the skin of your arm and covering the area with a bandage. They might also directly apply a patch or a bandage containing the allergens to your skin. You need to leave the patch on and return to your doctor's office within 48-96 hours, after which they will remove the patch and examine your skin for allergic reactions.
- Skin prick test: This test helps your healthcare provider check for food, airborne, and penicillin allergies. During the test, they prick the skin on your back or forearm using a thin needle with 10-50 different allergens. Alternatively, they might place drops of various potential allergens on your skin. Next, they use a device to scratch and lightly puncture the area, allowing the allergens to enter your skin. Allergic reactions, such as redness, should occur within 15 minutes of exposure.
- Intradermal skin test: If your skin prick results are inconclusive, your doctor might recommend getting an intradermal skin test. This test helps them check for insect stings, medications you might be allergic to, and airborne allergens. During the test, they inject tiny amounts of potential allergens into your epidermis (the outer layer of your skin) and wait for reactions.
When should you visit an allergist?
Allergy symptoms vary depending on which substance (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. The following list of reasons can help you decide whether you should see an allergist or not:
- If you have tingling sensations in the mouth or swelling on your lips, tongue, face, or throat after eating some food
- If 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
- If 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.
- If you face skin issues like eczema or atopic dermatitis, which can cause the skin to peel or become red and flaky
- If over-the-counter or nonprescription medicines do not help in controlling your allergy symptoms
- If you already have asthma or have frequent asthma attacks despite taking your medications.
Allergic reactions or allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening. In some cases, allergens can trigger anaphylaxis, a rare and fatal allergic reaction that can affect many body parts simultaneously and cause the body to enter a shock-like state. 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. Ensure you see a doctor or allergist even if you have a severe allergic reaction under control. Common signs of anaphylaxis include vomiting, diarrhea, sudden drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and swelling in the tongue and throat.
What should one expect during the first visit to the allergist?
An allergist needs to know what your symptoms are before they proceed. So, they will talk to you and ask several questions to understand what is causing your allergy. For example, if you have just eaten a specific food and have faced an allergy, they can pinpoint the cause and perform further testing to determine the allergen causing the reaction. The allergist will review your medical history, your family's medical history, and the medications or drugs you consume. So, ensure you carry your medical records, prescriptions, and medicines for your allergist to check. They may also inquire about whether you were exposed to any toxins.
Allergy tests include skin pricks that can quickly identify immediate allergies. Your allergist may also perform patch, antibody, and T-cell tests depending on the type of allergy. After looking at the results, your doctor will recommend medications or therapy, as the case may be. For example, corticosteroid ointments and creams work for skin reactions. For severe reactions, the doctor may suggest epinephrine injections. If you have recurring allergies, the allergist may recommend antibiotics. For minor environmental allergies, even over-the-counter decongestants may suffice.
How do you live with allergies?
Here are the simple steps you can take to keep seasonal allergies under control:
Try to keep your indoors clean, including the indoor air. Use air conditioning in your car and house. Use a dehumidifier to keep your indoor air dry. Use high-efficiency filters for your air cooling and heating system and adhere to the periodic maintenance schedules.
- Be cautious of the high pollen count
The high pollen count in the air usually leads to a rise in allergy symptoms. Check your local radio or TV news for pollen forecasts. You can even check the internet for the current pollen levels in your area. Take your allergy medications when there is a high pollen count forecast, and do not wait for the symptoms to appear. Close the windows and doors at night or when the pollen count is high. Avoid early morning outdoor activity as the pollen counts are the highest during that time.
- Reduce exposure to allergy triggers
Try to decrease your exposure to allergens that trigger allergies. Do not venture outdoors during dry and windy days. The period after a spell of rain is an ideal time to go out as the air would be clear of pollens. Avoid gardening activities like weed pulling and lawn mowing as they could release allergens, triggering an allergy. Wear a face mask while gardening or doing outside chores. Keep your laundry indoors, as the pollen can stick to the clothes when kept outside and can trigger an allergy. After spending long hours outdoors, shower to rinse the pollen off your hair and skin.
Use saline solution to rinse your nasal passages (nasal irrigation). It is an effective and inexpensive way to relieve nasal congestion. It helps flush out the allergens and mucus from the nose. Saline solutions are readily available over the counter in a drug store.
You can even prepare a homemade saline solution with 1 quart of water, one teaspoon of baking soda, and 1.5 teaspoons of canning salt. Thoroughly rinse the nasal irrigation device with clean water after every use and air dry.
How can you find a good allergist in Columbus, Ohio?
You must immediately contact an allergist if you have chronic sinus infections, difficulty breathing, or nasal congestion. If you are looking for a top-rated allergist near you, Zocdoc's extensive online healthcare provider directory can help you connect with the best allergists in Columbus, Ohio. On the Zocdoc website, enter your location and symptoms to find an allergist who fits your criteria. You can also use unique filters to identify doctors based on their gender, and whether or not they treat children.
Before choosing a doctor, you can view their detailed profiles that contain information about their education, board certifications, licensure, accreditations, hospital links, specializations, spoken languages, and accolades. Moreover, verified patient reviews will help you identify the best allergists.
If you want to find a provider who accepts your insurance, add your insurance information (your insurance provider and plan) on the Zocdoc search. It will help you see in-network providers who accept your plan. You can find accurate results from in-network allergists near you. Check out Zocdoc's patient help center for more information and solutions related to insurance.
With Zocdoc, you can easily schedule an in-person and online appointment, depending on the provider's availability.
Booking appointments on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and free!
Statistics on allergies in Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, is one of the allergy capitals of the United States. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Columbus ranks 11th among the country's 100 allergy capital cities (2023). Columbus stands at the 29th position in the Fall rankings and 46th in the Spring rankings. Cleveland and Dayton also fall in the Ohio Valley Belt, where asthma is prevalent. Other places in the belt include Detroit, Michigan, and Louisville, Kentucky.
According to a study by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), the top five foods that caused an anaphylactic reaction in Ohio (between 2009 and 2016) were eggs, peanuts, shellfish (crustaceans), tree nuts, and seeds. The study also found that peanuts accounted for 26% of claim lines with anaphylactic food reactions, tree nuts and seeds accounted for 18%, eggs were 7%, crustaceans were 6%, and dairy allergies were 5%. Other specific foods that are not generally known to cause allergies accounted for 33% of the claim lines.
According to America's Health Rankings (2022), roughly 11.4% of people in Ohio had asthma, compared to the US (10.4%). The prevalence was almost 10.3% in the 18-44 age group, 10.6% for 45-64, and 8.1% for those above 65. Females reported more cases of asthma (15.0%) than males (7.6%). The prevalence was also higher in families with an annual income of less than $25,000 (19.0%).
Sources
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
American Medical Association
Allergy & Asthma Network
WebMD
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology[1]
Medical News Today
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America[1]
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America[2]
Food Allergy Research & Education
America's Health Rankings
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology[2]
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology[3]
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Cleveland Clinic
