An allergist is a medical doctor specially trained to diagnose, treat, and manage different types of allergies, asthma, and other related disorders. Whether you have food allergies, allergic rhinitis, allergy-induced asthma, or eczema, you can get outstanding care from an allergy specialist.
Here, we will discuss several benefits of seeing an allergy specialist, when you should see an allergy specialist, and where you can get the best treatment for your allergies and allergy-induced asthma.
1. You Will Get to Know the Cause of Your Allergy Symptoms
Many people who experience allergy symptoms are unaware of the cause of the allergy symptoms. There could be several causes of their allergy symptoms, including pet skin and fur, pollen, dust mites, and certain types of foods and medication.
Allergy specialists have all the expertise and tools needed to perform a comprehensive evaluation. To pinpoint the cause of your allergies, your allergy specialist will ask for and evaluate your detailed medical history. You may need to describe any underlying health condition you have as well as your symptoms, their severity, and their frequency.
After an initial assessment, they will order some diagnostic tests, which may be skin tests, blood tests, patch tests, or any other test. These tests use a very small number of different allergens to determine which allergen triggers an immune response.
2. You Will Get a Customized Treatment Plan
Each patient has a unique type of allergy, which needs a unique and comprehensive treatment plan. The detailed allergy treatment plan your allergy doctor develops will be based on your allergen, the severity of your allergies, and your individual goals.
Typically, a treatment plan that your allergy doctor will devise will include medications (antihistamines, nasal decongestants, and others)and immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Your allergy specialist may also address your concerns and questions about the treatment plan if you have any.
3. You Will Receive Expert Knowledge and Guidance
On your visit to an allergy specialist, you can get a proper insight into your unique type of allergy and ways to manage your allergy symptoms. They provide you with education on strategies to avoid allergens, reduce the frequency of your allergic reactions, manage allergy symptoms, and reduce their severity.
Together with treatments, this knowledge and information will help you effectively manage your allergies and make informed lifestyle choices to reduce the recurrence of allergic reactions.
4. You Will Be Prepared for Emergency Allergic Reactions
Consulting an allergy specialist is not limited to treating allergies and allergy-induced asthma. Your allergy specialist will also provide you with the necessary instructions and measures to deal with future allergic reactions. An allergy specialist can help you recognize the signs of a severe allergic reaction, provide emergency medication, such as norepinephrine, and guide you on the necessary steps to take in case of an emergency allergic reaction.
When Should You See an Allergy Specialist?
It is a good idea to see an allergy specialist if:
- You experience severe allergic reaction symptoms such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the tongue or face.
- You want to know your allergy trigger.
- Your allergies and asthma are not getting better with medication or lifestyle changes.
- Allergies are affecting your health-related quality of life.
- You often get sick with allergies.
Allergy Specialist in Plainfield, IL
If you suspect that you or your child may have allergies or allergy-induced asthma, visit us here at Oak Brook Allergists for comprehensive evaluation and treatment. Our allergy doctors will evaluate your medical history and family history, assess your symptoms, and perform tests to determine the cause of your triggers. After, our allergy specialists will prescribe a treatment plan to help with your symptoms and suggest *lifestyle changes.
We will provide you with medications, allergy shots or allergy drops, and strategies to avoid allergy triggers so that they do not disrupt your life.
Call us today to schedule an appointment at an allergy clinic near you or use our convenient appointment request form.