An allergy is a reaction towards specific food, drugs and environmental factors that otherwise do not affect. The reaction can be mild or severe; it’s, therefore, essential to see an allergist who will determine the extent of the allergy. An allergist specialist diagnoses and treats allergies. In the United States, the allergist should have a specialty in allergy treatment, more than five years of training in medicine and a board certification which requires one to pass a particular exam. The allergy doctor has to attend education programs continually to keep abreast of any new developments
Why visit an allergist instead of a general physician
- Specialist
When Most people experience that first itch or several bumps on their body, they will visit their general physician, but an allergy doctor will give you the specific care that you require. The allergist has specialized training in dealing with allergies making it more palatable to visit the allergy doctor.
- Expertise
The allergy doctor has specially trained in areas of allergy, and therefore there is no second guessing when it comes to treatment
When To See an Allergist
- When you have an allergic reaction to food, insect bites, medicine
- If your allergies are interfering with your daily life
- In case you notice symptoms of allergy disease like asthma
- See the allergy physician if you need assistance to come up with an action plan on how to cope with allergies
- Increase in allergic reactions
- In case you notice your child has a consistent cough
- If you feel you are struggling to catch your breath
Questions the allergist will ask when you visit
- The doctor will ask question concerning
- When you noticed the first symptoms, any medication you may have taken, and whether there was any improvement
- Do you have a history of any allergy symptoms
- Do you have rashes or bumps on your body
- Any history of allergic disease like asthma in your family
- At what time is the allergic reaction more prevalent
Steps the allergist is likely to take after check up
- Identify the allergen
The allergist will identify the allergen and suggest ways of avoiding coming into contact.
- Treatment
The doctor will prescribe medicine if the allergic reaction is severe.
- Management Plan
The doctor will help you come up with a plan on how to ease the effects of various allergens.
Finally
Make sure you visit the allergy doctor Gainesville VA as soon as the first sign of allergy appears to avoid overuse of medication. That will also ensure that you catch the symptoms before they can become severe.