Allergist

What is an Allergist/Immunologist?
An Allergist/Immunologist is a physician specially trained to manage and treat allergies and asthma. Allergists/Immunologists are trained in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of immune system problems such as allergies, asthma, inherited immunodeficiency diseases, autoimmune diseases, and even AIDS.

What is allergic disease?
Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from some sort of allergic disease. Allergic disease can develop at any age, and heredity plays a key role in who will develop it. Symptoms of allergic disease are the result of events occurring within your immune system-the body’s defense mechanism against harmful substances. The body of an individual with allergic disease identifies some substances, called allergens, as harmful. These substances, which are harmless to most people, trigger allergic reactions with that person’s immune system. When someone predisposed to allergic disease encounters an allergen to which they are sensitive, a chain event occurs.

Types of allergic disease
Common allergic diseases include:

Allergic rhinitis or "hay fever." Symptoms of allergic rhinitis are sneezing, congestion, itching and dripping of the nose, and itchy, watery eyes. There are basically two types of allergic rhinitis: seasonal (for example, during fall, spring, or both) and perennial (year-round). Seasonal allergic rhinitis refers to allergies caused by pollen from trees, grasses, and/or weeds. Perennial allergic rhinitis is usually caused by dust, molds, and animal dander. Allergy testing can be performed to determine exactly which substances your body considers to be allergens. This is done by safely and effectively testing your skin, or sometimes your blood, using tiny amounts of commonly troublesome allergens. Adults and children of any age can be tested for allergies. Once your allergy has been identified, it is important to avoid the allergen. A variety of medications are available to help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. These include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroid sprays, and allergy shots (also called "immunotherapy"). Allergy shots are generally used in people with severe symptoms. Patients are injected with small and increasing doses of the offending allergen until they become less sensitive to it. Antihistamines work by stopping the chemical reaction in the body that causes allergy symptoms. Decongestants work by making the blood vessels smaller. Shrinking the blood vessels in the nose and sinuses helps to relieve nasal and sinus stuffiness. Nasal inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective type of treatment for both seasonal and perennial nasal allergy symptoms. Given as nasal sprays, nasal corticosteroids work by preventing and suppressing the inflammation in your nose.

Asthma, a chronic lung disease characterized by coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing. Asthma symptoms may be triggered by allergens or other, non-allergic stimuli, such as respiratory tract infections, cold air, or tobacco smoke. Because asthma is a chronic condition, it is still there even when you have no symptoms. One of the most important things you can do is to find out exactly what things cause your asthma to get worse. Avoiding these triggers can be an important part of your treatment plan. Although there is no cure for asthma, there are a number of actions you can take to prevent or control its symptoms, such as taking medication, controlling your environment, and monitoring your condition. The good news is, with proper diagnosis and treatment by an asthma specialist, most people with the disease can pursue normal lifestyles.

Sinusitis and otitis media, common allergic diseases often triggered by allergic rhinitis. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses, which are hollow cavities within the cheek bones found around the eyes and behind the nose. Otitis media – or common ear infections – is the most common childhood disease requiring physician care.

Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema. Symptoms of this allergic skin condition include itching, reddening, and flaking or peeling of the skin. This rash is usually seen in young infants, but can occur later in individuals with personal or family histories of atopy, meaning asthma or allergic rhinitis. There is no cure for eczema. The goals of eczema treatment are to heal the skin, and to prevent and minimize flare-ups.

Urticaria, also known as hives, and angioedema. Hives are itchy, red bumps that appear on the surface of the skin. They can occur in clumps and range in size, and can be chronic – appearing and disappearing for no reason – or acute. Triggers of acute hive include infection or ingestion of some foods or medications. Often appearing with hives, angioedema is a non-itchy swelling in the deeper layers of skin.

Anaphylaxis, a severe, systematic allergic reaction generally caused by substances that are injected or ingested (eaten), including some foods and medications, insect stings and latex. Symptoms can include a feeling of warmth, flushing, tingling in the mouth, a red, itchy rash, feelings of light-headedness, shortness of breath, severe sneezing, anxiety, stomach or uterine cramps, and/or vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, a drop in blood pressure results in loss of consciousness and shock. Without immediate treatment, anaphylaxis can be fatal.

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All other information © copyright 2003, Anjulis Nayak, MD and Nicholas A. Nayak, MD.