The Importance of Seeing an Allergist

The Differences Between Allergists & Primary Care Physicians

If you’re looking to better understand allergies or asthma, an allergist may be the answer. An allergist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing allergies and asthma. They use a variety of tests and procedures to diagnose an allergy or assess your overall health. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different roles an allergist may play in helping manage your health.

Allergists and immunologists are specially trained physicians who help with many varied and intriguing health problems. We act as detectives to listen to patients and ask questions to elicit the clues we need to order the right tests to find out the allergic cause of your symptoms if one exists. We then discuss the results with you and provide the most effective treatment plan. Patients seek us out or are referred by their own doctors for help in trying to figure out the causes of many problems and preventing recurrences.

Understanding Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions are an overreaction of the body’s immune system to “allergens” that non-allergic individuals cope with comfortably. We like to explain to patients that the allergist or immunologist most often deals with conditions affecting the places where the environment and the body come into contact. This involves the surfaces of the eyes, nose, sinuses, oral cavity and throat, GI tract, and lungs.

These exposures to “allergens” lead to the irritation, known as inflammation, of these linings, producing itching, burning, swelling, redness, and/or pain, and complaints that are specific to the organ or tissue involved – eye tearing, nasal congestion and drip, headache, sinus pressure, recurrent coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, mucous production, hives, and GI upset.

What’s Bothering You?

Symptoms can be caused by many different allergens, ranging from food and pollen to pet dander and dust mites. They can cause a range of symptoms, including sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Severe allergies can even lead to anaphylaxis or other life-threatening reactions.

Our patients often struggle with one of the following three:

• Seasonal Allergies

  • Most people think of us for the evaluation and treatment of conditions brought on by seasonal changes, like those due to the pollens released into the air that lead to seasonal allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis or “hayfever”. They are problematic at different times of the year, depending on the part of the country where you live. While it will vary from one region to the next, common spring allergens include tree pollen, with grasses in summer and weed pollens in fall.

• Chronic Allergies

  • Many problems are chronic in nature and occur year-round. Environmental exposures in the home, workplaces, or even school, such as dust, mold, and animal dander, can lead to persistent or recurrent nasal, chest, or skin symptoms due to perennial allergic rhinitis, asthma, sinus headache and pressure, and skin rashes.

• Asthma

  • Allergists are deeply involved with all the facets of treating asthma. We look for clues to understand the triggers for the “acute attacks” or ongoing coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath that can lead to hospital visits.

Breaking Down Immunology

Immunology is at the heart of all disease. As immunologists, we try to understand the body’s immune system and specifically why someone gets recurrent, persistent, or unusual infections. We look for Primary Immune Deficiency diseases. These are generally rare disorders brought on by a defect in the immune system.

We help patients with immediate allergic reactions leading to potentially serious outcomes such as life-threatening anaphylaxis, food allergies, drug allergies, and bee sting allergies. Our allergists have an in-depth understanding of the allergic and immune responses that explain the “how and why” we get sick and offer different treatment options.

Treating Allergies

Not only do allergists and immunologists prescribe medications, but we may be able to effectively “desensitize” a person to the allergens that cause their symptoms. This differentiates what we can do from other physicians. Desensitization involves slowly introducing small amounts of the allergen into the body to slowly change or suppress the over-reactive, allergic state into a tolerant one. This classically involves allergy injections, but newer methods include sublingual or ingestion approaches.

Additionally, new understandings of the immune system have led to a new class of “biologics” – treatments that can selectively interfere with the inflammatory immune response in order to prevent symptoms, while keeping the immune system’s essential functions intact. The successes these approaches bring about are some of the most rewarding aspects of what we can do.

Schedule an Appointment with Allergy Partners

To learn more about allergists and why Allergy Partners is the leading national provider of allergy and asthma care, find a location near you to schedule an appointment for allergy testing with your local Allergy partners team today. Our local allergists are backed by our national network of board-certified immunologists, so you can rest assured you’ll be in great hands.

Allergy Partners is not only the largest national organization of allergists and immunologists but also part of a worldwide community of researchers and clinicians devoted to the understanding and treatment of allergic and primary immune disorders.

Are Nasal Sprays Addictive?

Allergy Partners’ Myth Busters Investigate

It’s natural to be concerned about taking any medication consistently, but this worry can be especially pronounced when dealing with nasal sprays. There have been some articles circulating lately claiming that these treatments are addictive, so it is understandable why you may feel hesitant or overwhelmed. Rest assured: you do not need to fear powerful decongestants and allergy medicines! In fact, treating your symptoms properly using prescription-strength medications can greatly reduce your suffering – without risking addiction.

Rebound Effect Vs. Addiction

What many patients are referring to when talking about getting addicted to nasal sprays is not addiction, but a rebound effect from using these types of decongestant medications. If used for more than five days straight, your body may become less responsive and require higher doses in order to reduce congestion. Luckily there’s an easy way around this: alternate every day between medications like antihistamines or even saline solutions so that you can avoid getting stuck with symptoms again.

Relief from allergies is possible with the daily use of nasal steroids or antihistamine sprays. Both prescription and over-the-counter formulations are available for safe, long-term symptom control. Your Allergy Partners allergist can help determine what treatment method works best for your specific allergy needs so that you can breathe easily again.

Alternatives to Nasal Sprays

Allergy nasal sprays are the most common treatment for allergies and they can be helpful in providing relief from congestion, nasal itching, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms. However, there are alternative options available to those who do not wish to use these prescription medications. Antihistamines taken orally are a great alternative for treating allergies and can provide quick relief of symptoms.

Nasal irrigation with a neti pot or saline spray is also an effective treatment for relieving congestion caused by allergies. Additionally, natural herbal remedies such as stinging nettle or butterbur have been used as traditional treatments for allergies and may offer some relief without many of the side effects associated with medication.

Allergy Myth: Busted!

Fear not, the myth of addictive nasal sprays has been DEBUNKED! But beware, overusing those decongestant sprays can have you trapped in a congestion cycle. Fear not, your trusty Allergy Partners physician is ready to recommend the ideal allergy treatments tailored just for you.

Find Answers at Allergy Partners

Whether you’re dealing with seasonal or chronic allergies, the team at your local Allergy Partners can help you better understand what is bothering you and help you find some relief. We take the time to learn about your experience so that we can personalize a treatment plan that perfectly targets your needs.

Find a location near you to schedule an appointment with our premier allergists today – they’re backed by Allergy Partners’ national network of board-certified physicians. Relief from symptoms is closer than you think.

Do Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) Stunt Growth?

Our Myth Busters Investigate

The question about corticosteroids (think inhalers) and their impacts on growth is an important one for our patients and parents. For many years, there has been concern over whether or not inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) – drugs taken to treat asthma and related respiratory disorders – may have potential side effects leading to delayed or stunted childhood growth.

Research has revealed that the use of ICS (inhalant corticosteroids) in children with asthma can have a slight but measurable negative impact on linear growth, weight gain, and skeletal maturation. It is recommended that minimal doses be used to avoid any potential adverse effects; however, further research shows asthmatic females and those tested positively for skin allergies are especially vulnerable to diminished growth when using these medications. The initial onset of decreased growth appears after one year without increased risks over time.

Recent studies have also revealed that intermittent use of ICS and intranasal steroids can be just as effective in treating asthma, yet with a significantly lower overall dose. This suggests an important opportunity for more targeted treatments to help children manage their asthmatic symptoms while minimizing negative growth effects.

Asthma Myth: Confirmed!

It’s encouraging to know that modern medical treatments such as inhaled and intranasal corticosteroid medications can help treat the symptoms of asthma in adults, even if their use may be associated with a slight decrease in overall height. The positive impact these medications have on managing asthma should never be underestimated. Not only do they provide relief from acute symptoms, but also reduce the likelihood of future attacks. For those who require regular treatment to manage the condition, there is undeniable peace of mind that comes with having access to these medications and their proven benefit of maintaining asthma control.

Contact Allergy Partners to Learn More

At Allergy Partners, our network of board-certified allergists are here for you, expertly diagnosing asthma and allergic conditions and formulating personalized treatment plans that work with your lifestyle while monitoring growth over time. Your health and wellness are our physicians’ top priority. If asthma is slowing you down, relief is in sight when you have our experienced professionals on your side.

Learn more about dealing with asthma and then find your nearest Allergy Partners office to schedule an appointment!

Back-to-School: Basics for Kids with Allergies

The following guide offers strategies for managing your child’s allergies during the school year.

Managing a child’s allergies is challenging enough when they’re at home – how can you make sure they’re protected during the school day?

Whether your child has food allergies, insect sting allergies, asthma, or another allergy that requires vigilant management, it’s critically important that you use every resource available to you. Here’s how you can ensure your child has a safe and welcoming school year.

Recognize Allergy Signs

Schedule an appointment with your allergist or pediatrician if your child experiences the following symptoms:

• Frequent respiratory symptoms (itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing , coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath)
• Frequent infections (ear, sinus, bronchitis, pneumonia) Changes in skin texture or appearance (rashes, dry patches, hives)

During your visit, the physician will conduct a physical examination and evaluate your child’s symptoms. You will be asked about your child’s dietary habits, environment, and medical history. Your physician will recommend allergy testing or not based on the information provided. If allergy testing is recommended, request a referral to a board-certified allergist.

Your allergist will provide you with instructions to help you prepare for testing. These instructions are designed to maximize the accuracy of the testing and might include the following guidance:

• Don’t administer antihistamines the week before the test.
• Avoid any substances that trigger physical symptoms before the test.

Allergy testing might involve the following:

• Skin Prick Test: Skin prick testing involves introducing a small sample of allergen proteins to the child’s skin and then gently pricking or scratching the skin’s surface. If the child is allergic to a particular substance, inflammation or redness may develop.
• Blood Test: During immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization testing, a blood sample is taken and then analyzed to identify specific antibodies related to different allergens. This type of test is preferred for children who cannot undergo skin prick testing.

The test results will identify any allergens that cause the reaction. Your allergist will explain the test results to you and help you develop an appropriate management plan and emergency action plan.

Create a Management Plan With Your Child’s Allergist

It’s critically important to create a comprehensive allergy management plan if your child is experiencing symptoms that are either disruptive to normal functioning or potentially life-threatening. While management plans must be specific to the child and the type of allergy, they will include the following strategies:

• Procedures for avoiding allergens.
• Managing symptoms through medications, diet, or other therapies.
• Scheduling periodic follow-ups with allergy specialists to monitor the symptoms and adjust medications/therapies as needed.
• Design an emergency action plan for addressing dangerous allergic responses, including the proper use of epinephrine injectors (EpiPens).

Communicate With Your Child’s Teachers and Appropriate School Staff

Clear communication and collaboration are critical to ensuring your child’s safety and comfort during the school year.

• Alert your school and school district to your child’s condition: While school districts throughout the United States have different administrative processes, they will generally allow you to access or fill out the necessary documents online. However, whether they require you to visit the enrolment offices or submit the paperwork electronically, always keep digital or physical copies of any paperwork you submit for your own records.
• Have a meeting with school staff: Communicating your child’s needs with teachers, administrators, and school nurses is essential to creating and maintaining a safe and inclusive school environment. If possible, meet with all staff members who will come in contact with your child, including counselors, homeroom teachers, school mental health aides, and security personnel.
• Share your allergy action plan with school staff: Collaborating with the child’s healthcare provider, parents can develop an allergy action plan that provides specific steps to be taken during an allergic reaction. This plan should include information about recognizing signs, administering emergency medication, and contacting emergency services if necessary. Sharing this plan with the school staff ensures everyone is prepared to respond appropriately. Moreover, clarify how epinephrine injectors can be easily accessed in case of an allergic reaction or where emergency medication should be stored. It is crucial to establish clear protocols for medication storage and accessibility.
• Ask to review training records for epinephrine injectors and other interventions: Make sure that every adult that comes in contact with your child can recognize the onset of an allergic response and can intervene appropriately and quickly.

Different Types of Allergies Will Require Different Strategies and Accommodations

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is an extreme and potentially fatal allergic response. It develops due to an overreaction of the immune system to a substance it perceives as harmful. The most common substances that trigger anaphylaxis are insect venom, certain foods (like peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seed, seafood, milk, and eggs), latex, and medications.

The symptoms of anaphylaxis can occur suddenly and can involve numerous organ systems. The condition is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. When untreated, anaphylaxis can be life-threatening..

Schools can reduce the risk of anaphylaxis in the following ways:

• Maintain strict protocols surrounding access to emergency medications like epinephrine injectors.
• Provide staff-wide training in emergency treatment administration.
• Provide student training in emergency treatment administration.
• Provide staff-wide training in recognizing anaphylaxis symptoms.
• Provide student training in recognizing anaphylaxis symptoms.
• Make epinephrine injectors easily accessible.
• Allow students to carry their own prescribed epinephrine injectors.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are becoming increasingly common among children; nearly 6% of children experience food allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A food allergy is a type of immune system response triggered by particular foods. When someone has a food allergy, their immune system misidentifies certain proteins in the food as dangerous and overreacts to them.

Common food allergy symptoms include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, hives, itching, swollen lips, swollen tongue, and swollen throat. In more serious instances, food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly reaction.

Schools can accommodate children with food allergies in the following ways:

• Institute allergy-aware policies in the classrooms.
• Establish a safe cafeteria environment.
• Inspect food item ingredient lists regularly.
• Maintain open communication with parents and guardians.
• Address allergy or food-related bullying immediately.

Stinging Insect Allergies

Hymenoptera venom allergies, commonly known as insect sting allergies, are allergic reactions that occur in response to the venom injected by stinging insects such as honey bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasp, and fire ants. These allergies can range from mild, localized reactions to severe systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Schools can accommodate children with insect sting allergies in the following ways:

• Limit exposure to stinging insects by controlling pests in the common outdoor areas.
• Provide insect-repellant products.
• Maintain an allergy-aware classroom by limiting flowers and plants that could attract insects.

Asthma

Asthma is a common, chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide, both children and adults. The symptoms of asthma can vary from person to person but typically include wheezing, inability to breathe, coughing, and chest tightness.

Asthma and allergies can be interrelated; asthma can be triggered by certain allergens like dust, pet dander, and pollen.

Schools can accommodate children with asthma in the following ways:

• Offer asthma education and awareness for students and staff.
• Screen for asthma triggers and maintain a healthy, clean environment.
• Provide physical education tailored to the needs of students with asthma.

Latex Allergies

Latex allergies are immune system overreactions to natural rubber latex. Latex allergy symptoms can range from minor to life-threatening. They might include skin eruptions (hives, rashes), respiratory symptoms (sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, shortness of breath), or anaphylaxis.

People with severe latex allergies can be put at risk in an environment where latex particulates are in the air.

Latex allergies sometimes correspond with certain food allergies because they share similar protein structures. Foods that frequently trigger allergic responses in people with latex allergies include avocados, bananas, chestnuts, kiwi, potatoes, and tomatoes.

Schools can accommodate children with latex allergies in the following ways:

• Make sure school supplies, toys, and furnishings are latex-free.
• Educate administrators, school nurses, and lunchroom staff about products containing latex and alternative, safe materials.

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Allergic rhinitis, known commonly as hay fever, is a common condition that affects nearly 20% of children in the United States. People affected by hay fever experience a disordered immune response when they inhale allergens (dust, pollen, dust mites, mold) through the mouth or nose. Hay fever symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, fatigue, and watery eyes.

Unmanaged hay fever symptoms can significantly affect a student’s ability to succeed in school. Schools can accommodate children affected by hay fever in the following ways:

• Limit the presence of allergens (pollen, mold, dust, dander) in the classroom and other common areas.
• Provide the appropriate resources and supplies (tissues, hand wipes) to maximize comfort for students struggling with hay fever symptoms.
• Modify outdoor physical education and recess activities to minimize exposure to pollen and other allergens.

Discuss Allergy Management With Your Child

Managing significant allergies can be challenging for a child. It’s important to involve your child in the allergy management strategy early so the processes become second nature.

Choose a relaxed and comfortable environment to start a discussion about your allergy management plan. Make sure it is a safe and open space for your child to ask questions and express their concerns. Encourage them to talk about any fears they may have regarding their allergies, and allow them to be as proactive about their allergy management as their age and abilities allow. Reassure them that you are there to support and help them navigate their allergy management effectively.

Allergy Partners Can Help With Your Child’s Allergies

If you have any questions about allergy management or if you would like to schedule an examination with a board-certified allergist, please contact our helpful representatives today.