Allergies are the body’s immune response to a common irritant, or allergen. Questions about allergy care may lead people to delay or skip visiting a specialist for a better understanding of their symptoms. Here is more information about common FAQs about allergy treatments.
Are Only Seasonal Allergies Treated?
Seasonal allergies, including hay fever, are among the most common conditions an allergist treats. They represent only part of what these specialists evaluate and manage. Allergists are physicians who are trained in allergy and immunology, enabling them to evaluate a wide range of conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Food allergies
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Hives and swelling
- Insect sting allergies
- Medication allergies
Because many of these conditions can overlap, an allergist looks at a patient’s symptoms, history, and environment to best treat them. A person with year-round congestion, recurring skin rashes, or reactions after eating certain foods may find that an allergist is the appropriate specialist to consult.
Is Allergy Testing Painful?
Testing for allergies involves skin patch or prick tests for patients seeking allergy relief. A skin prick test involves placing a small amount of a potential allergen on the skin, usually on the forearm or back. Testing lightly pricks the skin surface in the process; results are typically rapidly available and can be shared the same day.
Skin patch tests involve exposing small areas of skin to allergens and checking the skin for irritation reactions over a set time period. Areas treated typically include the back or other large surfaces. Patch tests are used to determine origins of rashes and other skin allergens.
A test result alone does not confirm or rule out an allergy. Allergists interpret test findings alongside a patient’s medical history and reported symptoms. This combined approach helps them distinguish between sensitivity detected on a test and an allergy that causes symptoms in daily life.
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Are Treatments Over-the-Counter Only?
Antihistamines and nasal sprays are widely available at both pharmacies and department stores. These medications don’t limit the scope of what allergists do. Allergists develop individualized treatment plans that may include several approaches.
Identifying triggers: Testing aims to pinpoint specific allergens, which allows patients to make informed decisions about their home, work, and daily routines.
Avoidance strategies: Once triggers are known, an allergy specialist provides practical guidance on reducing exposure, including steps for managing dust mites, pet dander, or mold.
Prescription options: Some patients may be candidates for prescription medications that are not available over the counter.
Allergen immunotherapy: This approach, offered as allergy shots or under-the-tongue tablets, gradually exposes the body to small, increasing amounts of an allergen over time.
Each plan depends on the individual, and an allergy specialist will explain the potential benefits and limitations of each option available. Treatment plans are available for patients with complications due to medications, certain illnesses, or chronic diseases. Most allergy treatment plans take time to reach full effect and are closely monitored by an allergy specialist.
Visit an Allergist
Treatments for allergies vary for every patient; common testing methods are quick and minimally invasive. If you experience ongoing symptoms that affect your daily life, schedule an appointment with a board-certified allergist. Doing so can help you learn more about your condition and provide relief from your symptoms.
