Do you have questions about allergies? Come on, let's talk about an allergist!

Do you also feel a little strange when you eat certain foods? Or do you have difficulty breathing when you breathe in a little dust? Sometimes these things seem normal, but for some people they can be big problems. That's when we need the help of an allergist . Today, let's talk about who this 'allergist' is and what he does.

Who is an allergist?

Simply put, an allergist is a doctor who specializes in diseases that affect our immune system . Think of it this way: we have a little army of soldiers in our bodies called the immune system. This is what protects us from diseases. However, sometimes this system starts to overreact. That's when problems arise.

There are several immune system disorders that these doctors primarily treat:

• Allergies and allergic disorders: These occur when our immune system overreacts to something we eat, inhale, or touch. For example, some people get a rash after eating shrimp, while others start sneezing after touching a cat.
• Asthma: This is when the airways in our lungs become inflamed. People with asthma may suddenly have difficulty breathing due to certain triggers, such as dust, smoke, or cold.
• Primary immunodeficiency disorders: These are a bit more complicated. These are genetic diseases. This causes our immune system to not work properly. There are more than 200 types of these diseases.

Who is a Pediatric Allergist?

Now you may be wondering if these problems can also affect young children. Yes, babies, children, and young adults can also develop allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders. That's when a pediatric allergist diagnoses and treats them. He or she is like an allergist for adults, but he or she focuses specifically on children.

What is the difference between an allergist and an immunologist?

This is also a question that many people ask. We usually use the word 'allergist' to refer to a doctor who treats things like allergies and asthma, and sometimes also treats diseases of the immune system. Then, 'immunologist' is the same person. However, sometimes an 'immunologist' may focus more on treating diseases of the immune system, or on conducting medical research on the immune system. Often, these two are people in the same field, that is, people who have the qualification 'Allergist/Immunologist' .

What do these allergists do?

An allergist diagnoses and treats problems with your immune system. Here's what he or she can do:

• Allergy testing: This will check if you have allergies to things like foods, pollen (from grass, trees, and weeds), pet dander , and mold.
• Asthma is diagnosed by testing lung function.
• Medications or devices are prescribed to prevent, treat, or reduce the severity of allergies and asthma. For example, some people may need to use inhalers.
• We will advise you on changes you need to make in your lifestyle to avoid triggers for allergies or asthma.
• Immunotherapy, such as allergy shots, is given to reduce allergic reactions. This involves gradually exposing the body to the allergen.
• Immunodeficiency disorders are diagnosed.
• When living with an immune system disorder, we recommend ways to protect yourself from infections .
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is given as a treatment for some immune diseases.
• If you are allergic to an essential medication, a process called ``Drug desensitization'' is performed so that you can safely take that medication.

What types of diseases do allergists treat?

These are some of the most common medical conditions treated by these doctors:

• Allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergy)
• Allergic rhinitis/hay fever
• Anaphylaxis, a sudden severe allergic reaction
• Angioedema, a swelling under the skin
• Asthma
• Drug allergies
• Eczema is a skin disease.
• Eosinophilic disorders (in which a type of white blood cell called 'eosinophil' increases)
• Food allergies
• Skin irritation, also known as 'hives/urticaria'
• Insect sting allergies
• Latex allergies
• Frequent sinus infections

Why do we need to see an allergist?

You may also want to see a doctor like this for the following reasons:

• Check for allergies or asthma.
• Get treatment for allergies or asthma.
• If you have an immune system disease, manage it.

When should we see an allergist?

If you have these symptoms, definitely see an allergist. Or ask your family doctor (Primary Care Physician) if you need to see such a specialist.

"Should we be a little concerned about these symptoms?"

• If you experience a severe allergic reaction – such as hives, swelling of the face or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
• You have allergies, but you don't know exactly what triggers them. For example, find out if it only happens when you eat certain foods or when you come into contact with dust.
• If you find it difficult to control your allergies or asthma, even with medication and lifestyle changes.
• If allergies or asthma are preventing you from going about your normal life, going to work, or doing the things you enjoy.
• If you frequently wheeze, have a cough, or feel short of breath – especially after exercise or at night.
• If you are constantly getting sick, or if a common illness like a cold takes a long time to recover, this could mean that your immune system is weak.

How are allergies tested?

An allergist can use a variety of tests to find out what kind of allergy you have. Here are some of them:

• Skin prick/scratch tests: This involves taking a small amount of a suspected allergen and scratching it with your skin. Then, they look for a reaction, such as redness and swelling. This is a very simple, quick test.
• Blood tests: This involves taking a sample of your blood and testing it in a lab to see if you have any signs of an allergy to a certain substance.
• Food challenge tests: This is a test that requires some caution. In this, the doctor will gradually introduce a food you think you are allergic to, while watching closely to see if you have an allergic reaction. This should be done under medical supervision.

In addition to these allergy tests, the following may also happen when you visit the doctor:

• Lung function testing (spirometry, pulmonary function testing): This tests how well your lungs are working. This test helps diagnose and manage asthma.
• Teaches you how to use medical equipment: Your doctor can teach you how to properly use equipment such as epinephrine injectors (sometimes called 'Epipen') for severe allergies, inhalers, and nebulizers for asthma.

How to become an allergist?

This might also be something you would like to know. To become an allergist in Sri Lanka, you first need to obtain a medical degree (MBBS) from a medical school. After that, you need to complete an internship and post-internship as a general practitioner. After that, you need to obtain a specialist training (MD) in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics. After that training, you can obtain another special training (post-MD training/fellowship) in the field of Allergy and Immunology, pass the relevant exams and become an allergist. That means this is something that needs to be done with great dedication and time.

Finally, a few things to remember

Allergies, asthma, and immune system diseases are conditions that can affect our daily lives, sometimes causing severe reactions. But don't panic . An allergist can help you identify your allergy or asthma triggers, prescribe treatments to control your symptoms, and advise you on lifestyle changes to avoid those triggers.

"Simply put, these doctors help you understand your condition, live with it successfully, and not let it interfere with your life."

So, if you think you have this problem, don't waste time and see a doctor. Then you can live a healthy, comfortable life.

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