An allergist is a medical doctor who has completed two or three additional years of study in allergy and immunology. Allergists specialize in diagnosing and treating a variety of allergic diseases and asthma. Allergens are everywhere, and unfortunately nobody can predict when someone will or will not have a reaction to something that is actually harmless. An allergist, like an allergist in Tysons Corner, VA from Black & Kletz Allergy, can help to treat the allergy, however, allowing sufferers more pleasant day-to-day living. The following are four types of allergy issues these physicians treat.
1. Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis can come on suddenly and rapidly get worse. It is triggered by foods, medications and insect stings. It can be fatal if not caught immediately and taken seriously. Signs of an anaphylactic reaction include:
- Unconsciousness
- Hives and/or red skin
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Quick, dangerous blood pressure drop
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Swollen throat/tongue
2. Asthma
Asthma can be mildly uncomfortable or seriously life-threatening. An attack happens when the airway muscles spasm, blocking air flow from the lungs. The bronchial tubes often become inflamed and mucus could close off the airway. Signs of an asthma attack include:
- Coughing and/or wheezing
- Restricted or labored breathing
- Chest tightness
3. Atopic and Contact
Atopic and contact allergies are uncomfortable and sometimes aggravated by stress. They present as dermatitis, hives and eczema, and are caused by items such as food, medication, chemicals, insect stings and similar substances.
4. Hay Fever
Hay fever is an allergy of the nose. Also known as allergic rhinitis, it causes the sufferer mild to extreme discomfort. Symptoms include an itchy nose, itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, congestion and an itchy roof of the mouth. Hay fever is caused by pollen, household pets, outdoor mold, indoor mold, dust mites and other similar allergens.
What You Should Do
As you can see, some allergies can be quite serious, even resulting in death if not treated immediately and properly. If you seem to be sick all the time, an allergist could help. He or she can perform a test to see which allergens you’re dealing with, educate you about prevention, prescribe medication and provide immunotherapy. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately.
Contact an Allergist Today
Whether you know which allergies you’re suffering from or don’t have any idea, contact an allergist for a complete examination so you can figure it out. There’s no reason you should suffer, especially if it can be fatal in the end. Call your allergist today to get started and to learn what you should do next.
