Do you also sneeze often? Do you get tired of sneezing when you wake up in the morning? Or does your mouth and tongue swell and your body itch after eating certain foods? Do you sometimes have difficulty breathing? The reason for these things may be a small problem in your body's immune system. There is a doctor who treats things like allergies and asthma and has specialized knowledge in them. We call that doctor an allergist .
Simply put, who is this allergist?
Simply put, an Allergist is a doctor who specializes in diseases related to our body's immune system . Now you may be wondering what this immune system is. It means our own defense system that fights diseases and germs that enter our body and keeps us healthy. But sometimes this system becomes a little too active. That's when the problems start.
There are three main categories of diseases that an allergist focuses on:
1. Allergies and allergic disorders: This happens when your immune system overreacts to something that is not actually harmful (for example, food, dust, pollen). It can be caused by something you eat, breathe in, or touch your skin.
2. Asthma: This is when the airways in your lungs become inflamed. This can cause difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing. Various allergies can also worsen asthma.
3. Primary immunodeficiency disorders: These are a bit more complex and rare diseases. They are caused by genetic factors, and what happens here is that the immune system does not work properly. This means that the ability to fight diseases is reduced.
Think of our immune system as an army defending a country. In the case of an allergy, this army mistakes a harmless, ordinary person (e.g. a cashew nut) for a big enemy and attacks it. An allergist helps this army identify the exact enemy.
Is there an allergist for young children?
Yes, absolutely. Little kids get allergies like this too, right? So we call the specialist doctors who treat allergies, asthma, and immune system diseases like this in babies, toddlers, and young children a Pediatric Allergist .
What exactly does an allergist do?
An allergist diagnoses and treats problems with your immune system. To understand this a little more clearly, let's look at what they do.
| What does an allergist do? | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Testing for allergies | They find out exactly what you are allergic to. That means they find out exactly whether it is to foods, dust, pollen, animal dander, etc. |
| Lung function testing | Tests are done to determine if you have asthma. We also call this a Spirometry test. |
| Prescribing medications and equipment | Prescribes medications (e.g., pills, syrups) and devices such as inhalers to control and reduce allergy and asthma symptoms. |
| Suggesting lifestyle changes | You will be given advice on how to stay away from things that trigger your allergies. For example, someone with a dust allergy will be given advice on how to keep their home clean. |
| Providing immunotherapy | This is a somewhat special treatment. For some people, they are given 'allergy shots', which are injections that gradually introduce the allergen into the body, allowing the body to become accustomed to it. Over time, this reduces the allergy. |
| Diagnosis of immunodeficiency diseases | If you are frequently sick, we investigate whether the cause is a weak immune system. |
What are the common conditions that an allergist treats?
There are many diseases that an allergist treats. Some of the most common conditions we see include:
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Red, itchy, watery eyes.
- Allergic rhinitis or hay fever: Frequent sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion.
- Anaphylaxis: This is a very severe and sudden allergic reaction. It can cause breathing difficulties and swelling of the body. This is a condition that requires emergency medical treatment.
- Asthma
- Drug allergies
- Eczema: A condition in which the skin becomes dry, red, and itchy.
- Food allergies: Reactions that occur when certain foods are eaten (e.g., milk, eggs, peanuts, shrimp, squid).
- Hives or urticaria: Red, swollen, itchy welts on the skin.
- Insect sting allergies: A more severe reaction to a wasp or wasp sting than a normal person.
- Sinus infections: If you have frequent sinus problems, there may be an underlying allergy.
When should you see an allergist?
You may be wondering, "Do I need to see a specialist just because I'm sneezing a little?" You don't need to see an allergist for every little thing. However, if you have a condition like the one below, it's very important to talk to your family doctor and get a referral to an allergist.
| The situation you are facing | What to do |
|---|---|
| If you experience severe allergic reactions (e.g., hives, swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty breathing) | Yes, absolutely. In such a case, you should immediately go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Then you should see an Allergist. |
| You have an allergy, but you don't know exactly what it is. | Yes. An allergist can find the exact cause. Then you can stay away from those things. |
| If your allergies or asthma are not controlled despite taking medication and making lifestyle changes. | Yes. You may need a more appropriate treatment. An allergist can best advise you on that. |
| If these allergies or asthma are interfering with your daily life and work. | Yes. Life gets boring when you're sick all the time. With proper treatment, you can live a normal life. |
| If you feel short of breath, have a wheezing sound in your chest, or have a cough (especially when exercising or at night). | Yes. These can be symptoms of asthma. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis. |
| If you get sick often , or if even a common cold takes a long time to recover. | Yes. This could be a sign of a weakened immune system. It's a good idea to get checked out. |
How does an allergist test for allergies?
When you go to an allergist, they will do various tests to find out what you are allergic to.
- Skin prick/scratch tests: This is the most common test. Here, a very small amount of the substance you think you're allergic to (e.g., pollen, dust) is placed on your skin in the form of a liquid. Then, a small prick is made through the skin. It doesn't hurt, it feels like a small ant stinging. Within 15-20 minutes, if you're allergic to something, the area will turn slightly red and develop a small welt, like a mosquito bite.
- Blood tests: This involves taking a sample of your blood and testing it in a lab to see if there are antibodies in your blood that have been produced against certain things.
- Food challenge tests: This is done only in a hospital under the close supervision of a doctor. The food you suspect you are allergic to is given to you in gradually increasing doses while a doctor watches. The goal here is to see if you have an allergic reaction.
In addition to these tests, things like lung function tests (spirometry) can also be done to check for asthma.
Take-Home Message
- An allergist is a doctor who specializes in allergies, asthma, and diseases of the immune system.
- If your allergies are not controlled by regular medications, are interfering with your life, or are causing severe reactions, consult your doctor and see an allergist.
- An allergist can perform special tests (skin tests, blood tests) to find out exactly what is causing your allergy.
- In addition to regular pills, they can also provide specialized treatments like inhalers and immunotherapy.
- Allergies are not something to ignore. With the right medical advice and treatment, you can live a healthy, normal life.
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