What Is An Allergy
One of the marvels of the human body is that it can defend itself against harmful invaders such as viruses or bacteria. But sometimes the defenses are too aggressive and harmless substances such as dust, molds or pollen are mistakenly identified as dangerous. The immune system then rallies its defenses, which include several chemicals to attack and destroy the supposed enemy. In the process, some unpleasant and, in extreme cases, life-threatening symptoms may be experienced in the allergy-prone individual.
Take back control of your life.
See an allergist to find a solution.
Allergy Testing Pollen Pet Mold Dust Food And Drug
At Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy , we offer several types of allergy testing with our asthma and allergy specialists in order to offer patients accurate diagnosis whenever possible. One or more tests may be needed to determine if a patient has an allergy. Each treatment plan is customized according to the patients history and needs.
Not A Substitute For Meds
The benefits respiratory therapists and PR specialists provide may help some people rely less on asthma medications, but their care isn’t intended to replace your inhaler or oral asthma drugs. Don’t adjust your medication without talking to the doctor who treats your asthma.
When You May Not Need a Respiratory Therapist/PR Specialist
Respiratory therapists and PR specialists can’t prescribe you asthma medications, so they’re not a replacement for any of your doctors. However, if your PCP is currently overseeing your asthma treatment, one of these therapists may be able to provide valuable insight and information.
If you’re physically fit, don’t have severe asthma attacks, and are managing your condition well , you probably don’t need these specialists.
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Common Reasons To See An Allergist/ Immunologist Include:
- And more
Putting it all together
Allergists/immunologists and ENTs often work together to maximize control of nasal/sinus congestion and its entirely possible you may require evaluation from both specialists. Allergists will often refer patients to ENTs when surgery is needed and ENTs often refer patients to allergists when a formal allergy assessment is required.
Allergies are not the only cause of nasal symptoms. So if you have a known structural problem or suspect one, then an ENT specialist would be a good first choice. But if you suspect that you have a sinus or breathing issues related to allergies or asthma, consider seeing a Board Certified Allergist/Immunologist who can help diagnose, treat, and effectively control your symptoms through non-surgical methods.
What A Dermatologist Does
A dermatologist is a specialist in the treatment and management of the skin. In addition to treating skin, dermatologists also treat hair and nails. As specialists, dermatologists not only complete pre-med programs and four years of medical school, but they must also successfully complete a one-year internship and three years of residency. This long course of education is necessary to treat an organ as extensive as the skin. You will look to a dermatologist to treat acne, melanoma, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, among numerous other conditions. Some dermatologists are responsible for carrying out cosmetic procedures such as facelifts, Botox injections, and lip fillers as well.
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Understand Why Your Speciality Matters
Without a doubt, choosing a medical specialty is a huge decision, since there are many different types of doctors. You have to consider your interests, and what your goals will be once youre a physician. Some students aim to specialize in an area where there is a lack of physicians, or work toward a specific cause.
Others want to specialize in something theyre interested in, and continue working in research spaces. Picking your specialization comes with a lot of pressure, since the intense and specific training makes it hard to switch if you change your mind. Luckily, there are resources available to help make this decision, and preparing in advance can help you make smart decisions for your medical career.
How You And Your Asthma Doctor May Work Together To Treat Your Asthma
After receiving a diagnosis of asthma, youll probably see your asthma specialist as often as once every two to six weeks. When your asthma is under control, you may be able to drop your appointments down from once a month to a couple of times a year. Some things you can expect from your asthma management:
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Should I Go To An Allergy Doctor Or A Dermatologist
When you have a rash that you suspect is from an allergy, you may wonder what type of specialist you should see, especially since dermatology and allergy medicine have some overlap.
The answer isnt always straightforward. In fact, you should take into consideration a few different factors when choosing between an allergist and a dermatologist.
Fortunately, our practice in Sarasota offers medical care from both dermatologists and allergists. We even offer advice to help you determine the correct doctor for your healthcare needs.
When To See An Allergist Or A Dermatologist
If you are experiencing one or more of the following, consult an allergist:
- A sudden rash on your body
- Red, inflamed, itchy skin
- Seasonal nasal congestion and hay fever
- Frequent asthma attacks
- Unusual physical reactions to certain things
However, if you are experiencing any of the issues below, consult a dermatologist:
- Severe acne
- A sudden spot, mole, or growth on or below the skin
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What Kind Of Doctor Treats Allergies And How Do I Know Which One I Should See
Dr. Josephson answers the question: ‘What Kind Of Doctor Treats Allergies?’
— Question: What kind of doctor treats allergies, and how do I know which one I should see?
Answer: Many different types of doctors treat allergies and sinus problems. And if you have sinus problems, you should go to an ear, nose and throat board certified otolaryngologist who specializes in the treatment of sinus problems and allergies.
If you have skin problems, you may also need to see a dermatologist from the itchy skin. If you eyes itch or burn from the allergies, we may have to send you to an ophthalmologist or an eye doctor, but it should really be a team of doctors including a board certified allergist who treat your sinus problems and your allergies and makes sure that together all the doctors have given you the best that they will all have to give you the best possible result possible.
Types Of Allergy Doctors
An allergist is a doctor who specializes in treating allergies and asthma.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology , asthma and allergies are two of the most common health problems in the U.S. An allergist is a doctor who treats these conditions that affect about 50 million Americans who have asthma, hay fever, or allergy-related conditions.
Although a family practitioner can treat your allergy, you will likely be referred to an allergist if your allergies interfering with your daily life. After earning a medical degree, the doctor who wants to specialize in treating food allergy and other kinds of allergies then spends three years in residency training, focusing on either internal medicine or pediatrics. The allergist then completes two or three more years studying allergy and immunology to become a specialist in treating allergies.
Certified Allergists
A certified allergist can treat any type of allergy from hay fever to peanut allergy. This of doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating asthma and allergic diseases. As you know if you have a food allergy, this type of disorder can severely affect your life and wellness. The goal of the allergist is to help you control your allergy so that your quality of life is the best that it can be.
Dermatologists
Allergist-Immunologists
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Questions The Doctor May Have
Be prepared to tell the allergist about your symptoms and your lifestyle. They may want to know:
- What kinds of symptoms do you have?
- How long have you had them?
- When your symptoms happen, how long do they last?
- Do your symptoms come and go throughout the year, or do they last year-round?
- Do your symptoms hit when youâre outdoors, or indoors — like when you clean your home?
- Do they get worse when youâre around pets? Do you have any pets?
- Do you smoke? Does anyone in your family smoke?
- Do your symptoms keep you from doing things or from sleeping at night?
- What makes your symptoms better? What types of treatments have you tried?
- What allergy drugs are you taking now? Do they help?
- What other medications are you taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements?
- What kind of heating system do you have? Do you have central air conditioning?
- Do you have any other health conditions, like asthma or high blood pressure?
- Do you have problems with your sense of smell or taste?
- Do you get better on the weekend and worse when you go back to work?
Chronic Sinusitis And Allergies What Kind Of Doctor Do You See For Allergy Testing
Board-certified Allergists are highly trained physicians who specialize in the diagnoses and nonsurgical treatment of chronic sinus issues and allergies. They also specialize in the management of asthma since most asthmatics have allergic triggers that affect their breathing. Allergists focus on the underlying cause of the symptoms to lessen the need for medications and surgery. In doing so, Allergists are like medical detectives who take a comprehensive and integrated approach to treatment. Through the appropriate use of allergy testing, Allergists can help patients to understand their triggers and teach patients the environmental strategies needed to avoid their triggers. Allergists use allergy test results to decide which medications would be the most effective. Allergists can also guide patients through allergen immunotherapy to help relieve persistent nasal and sinus symptoms when medications are not helpful or when patients wish to minimize the need for medications.
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Signs You Should See An Allergist
Generally speaking, you should see an allergy doctor if you have occasional rashes or hives, seasonal nasal congestion, digestive problems, or breathing difficulty that stems from a reaction to an allergen.
You could also benefit from seeing an allergist if you experience frequent asthma attacks or skin issues related to environmental allergens.
Food sensitivity is also a common reason to see an allergist. If you experience symptoms such as digestive problems, hives, itching, rashes, or trouble breathing due to certain foods, an allergist can help. An allergist can give you an accurate diagnosis of exactly what youre allergic to and provide an effective treatment plan to help you get it under control.
When Do Doctors Specialize
Once youre in medical school, you usually explore specialties beginning your third year. You can choose to clerk for doctors in different areas, such as general surgery, gynecology, internal medicine, and orthopedics. When you apply for residency, you select your specialty, and you can specialize again once youre a resident.
The path to medical school isnt easy, and it requires taking many prerequisite courses in college, studying for the MCAT, and getting involved in relevant extracurriculars. Learn more about how to become a doctor and the steps you should take as early as high school to streamline your journey.
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What Will Ent Do For A Sinus Infection
Sinusitis has varying degrees of severity. For a mild sinus infection, an ENT may advise using conservative care including a decongestant and/or nasal spray. More serious infections may require the use of antibiotics, nasal irrigations, steroids and even surgery. Chronic sinusitis symptoms can be alleviated by avoiding triggers which may include allergens or fungi.
Differences Between A Dermatologist And An Allergist
Even if something gives us an allergic reaction, most of us cant help ourselves from enjoying the allergen such as eating certain foods, petting furry animals, or hanging out with friends in the pollution-filled city.
Once you have an allergic reaction, your skin may start to get reddish and patchy. Perhaps youre suddenly getting this reaction, and youve never been allergic before.
But who should you visit to have this treated, a dermatologist or an allergist? Lets take a look at these two different types of medical specializations and who would be best to diagnose and treat your sudden skin reaction.
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How These Practitioners Can Help
Both of these doctors can provide allergy testing when necessary. For instance, a dermatologist may perform a skin patch test to determine the cause of your skin reaction. An allergist may also perform a skin patch test and more in-depth allergy testing.
A dermatologist can help you choose products that are less likely to irritate your skin. An allergist may provide medications to help you manage your allergies and even provide immunotherapy to reduce your sensitivity to that substance.
Fortunately, you wont be at a loss regardless of which doctor you choose to see. If you see a dermatologist, and they cannot diagnose or treat the underlying cause of your symptoms, they will simply refer you to an allergist and vice versa.
Schedule An Allergist Consultation In Princeton Or Robbinsville Nj
Prior to joining the Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy family, Dr. Kathryn Edwards completed a 16-year career with the United States Army, serving military families as an Allergist specialist. Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of seasonal and environmental allergies, skin conditions, asthma, and food allergies Dr. Edwards brings her extensive Allergist knowledge to our Princeton and Robbinsville offices.
Dr. Edwards performed her undergraduate studies at the University of Delaware and then proceeded onto these next accomplishments:
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Types Of Doctors And What They Do
Doctors choose their medical specialty in their third year of medical school. Many of us are familiar with some of the different types of doctors, since weve seen specialists for a variety of reasons, but may not be as familiar with what those specialists do.
In addition to choosing their field of practice, doctors can also specialize further after their residencies by proceeding with a fellowship. For example, a surgeon can further specialize in orthopedic surgery, or an oncologist can specialize in a certain type of cancer. While we dont have every breakdown of every specialist, you can find a list of common types of doctors below, which can serve as a point of reference when researching your future specialty.
What Is An Allergist
An specializes in caring for people with allergies, asthma, and other diseases of the immune system. Allergists-immunologists with a background in internal medicine take care of adults and those with a background in pediatrics take care of children. Known commonly as allergists, these specialists are highly skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of immune system disorders and in helping people take an active role in preventing and treating allergy symptoms.
An typically:
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Evaluates a patients medical history and educates patients about allergies and other immune system diseases and symptom prevention
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Performs a physical exam including evaluation of allergy symptoms, breathing, blood pressure, and other vital signs
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Orders and interprets laboratory and imaging tests and prescribes medications
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Diagnoses and treats , asthma, and other diseases of the immune system
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Provides primary care in some cases, such as routine physicals and screening tests
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Works closely with other medical specialists and healthcare providers to provide optimal care
An allergist-immunologist may also be known by the following names: allergist, allergist and clinical immunologist, doctor, immunologist, asthma specialist, and allergy specialist.
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Allergies: Behind The Scene Symptoms
If you are experiencing persistent and uncomfortable allergy symptoms that have you just about fed up, then it is time to see an ENT specialist. Over-the-counter drugs do not control allergies as sufficiently as many sufferers may like.
When you see a Boynton Beach ENT specialist, your medical history will be assessed and a thorough examination will be done on your nose, ears, head, and throat. The ENT specialist will go to great lengths to find the cause of the allergy and the trigger for your allergic reaction.
The ENT doctor will provide recommendations on how to reduce exposure to any potential allergens. You will learn ways of better controlling your environment.
What Are The Different Types Of Allergy Doctors
Many doctors treat allergies, including pediatricians and general practice doctors. When allergies are severe, primary care physicians often refer their patients to an allergist who can perform allergy testing. A peanut allergy diagnosis can confirm that the child is truly allergic to peanuts.
Allergists and Immunologists
An allergist or immunologist is a doctor who is trained to work with all types of allergies and immune system problems, including food allergies, environmental allergies, and others. Before treatment begins, the allergist usually does allergy testing with skin tests or blood tests. If a person has a food allergy to peanuts, one of the goals of the allergist is to prevent anaphylaxis, a very serious allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
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Consulting With An Allergist Specialist
Patients at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy Center in Princeton and Robbinsville will consult with an allergist doctor at one of our offices prior to testing to create a customized testing and treatment plan. Our board-certified experts will ask questions and consult the patients medical history so that they can best diagnose possible allergies. Testing to determine what, if anything, a patient is allergic to may take place the same day or at a subsequent appointment.
