Many people know something about allergies. You have probably heard the sensational stories about bee-sting and peanut allergies or experienced yourself the seasonal scourge that is hay fever. There are also many people who suffer from more mild allergies to common foods, animal hair, certain plants, or soaps and lotions, for instance. But many people wouldn't know where to look for an Austin allergist - and might not even know what one is.
There are, in fact, medical doctors who specialize in allergies, asthma, and diseases of the immune system. An allergist, sometimes called an immunologist, diagnoses and treats asthma, eczema, hives, chronic coughs and sinus infections, and basically any kind of allergy or immune problem.
Allergists will make a diagnosis based on your history, a physical exam (fluid behind the ear drum can suggest allergies, for instance), and positive allergy testing. Allergy testing measures how a person reacts so specific allergens and involves blood testing and skin testing. Skin testing has been used for more than 100 years and consists of scratching the skin and placing a drop of the allergen in question on the skin. If a raised, red, and itchy bump appears after 15 minutes, the skin test is positive.
In addition to performing allergy testing, allergists also have the ability to prescribe allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots.) This treatment involves a series of injections containing small amounts of the substances one is allergic to, where patients are desensitized to the effects of the allergens and essentially build up an immunity to it. After a complete series of allergy shots, nearly 90% of patients experience fewer allergy symptoms.
In fact, allergy shots may reduce the need you have for medication and improve and possibly cure asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Hay Fever affects nearly 39 million Americans and, if the symptoms are uncontrolled, it can lead to sinus or ear infections and make asthma worse.
So when should you see an allergist? You should pay a visit to an allergist when any allergic attack is severe, but you should also seek help if you are experiencing frequent symptoms from skin rashes, sinus infections, asthma (especially if you have been hospitalized), any food allergy, hives, swelling, or hay fever.
If you're like many people who suffer from asthma or allergies, whether severe or mild, contact an Austin allergist. Your chronic cough, rashes, runny nose, and itchy eyes will thank you.
Author Resource:-
Greater Austin Allergy & Immunology (http://www.austinallergist.com/) a Harvard-trained board certified Austin allergist (allergy physician or specialist) and performs a comprehensive medical evaluation of the patient to assess the severity of a patient's condition.
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