What is an Allergy:
Allergy is when a person’s immune system reacts to something that is usually harmless.  A person who is predisposed to allergy will react to things that are naturally present in the air such as pollens or mold spores.  They may also react to indoor things such as animal dander and dust mites.  When these agents produce allergic symptoms they are referred to as allergens. Symptoms of allergy can range from mild to extremely bothersome.   Common allergy symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes.

Sometimes we can be “irritated” by things such as cigarette smoke, fumes, cleaning products, or perfumes, but this is not a true allergy.  A true allergy is when our immune system produces an antibody called Immunoglobulin E that can bind to specific proteins in pollens, animal dander, molds or dust mites.  Some people inherit a tendency from their parents to produce Immunoglobulin E and can therefore develop allergic symptoms when these usually harmless environmental agents are inhaled.

Allergy can also occur to the foods that we eat.  A person who is predisposed can develop Immunoglobulin E to food proteins and symptoms can range from a mild itching of the throat or mouth to a severe allergic or anaphylactic reaction.

Allergic reactions can also occur in the skin.  Sometimes hives can result from an Immunoglobulin E mediated reaction.  Atopic dermatitis or eczema is also a form of skin allergy.  This reaction is more complex and involves Immunoglobulin E as well as other parts of the immune system.

Why should I see an Allergist?
An Allergist is a doctor who is trained to see adults and children with problems such as asthma, allergies and even recurrent infections.  An allergist can help identify triggers for symptoms such as chronic nasal congestion, asthma, and skin rashes.  Sometimes out of control asthma can be from allergies and an allergist is trained to figure this out.

An allergist is also the only physician specifically trained to evaluate, diagnose and manage food allergies.  Testing for food allergies can sometimes be confusing and an allergist can help determine which foods should really be avoided.  Often people may be avoiding healthy foods that they can actually eat without problems.  An allergist can help distinguish between true food allergies and food intolerance.

Allergists can perform special tests to evaluate for allergic skin conditions.  Sometimes we may develop allergies to things that come into contact with our skin.  An allergist can help identify such allergens.   Hives are another skin conditions that allergists are well trained to manage.

Allergists are also experts in the area of drug allergy.  While avoidance of the medication is usually the safest option, in some situations we may be able to help with the administration of a necessary medication.

Allergists are trained to evaluate the immune system.  Rare conditions like unexplained swelling of parts of the body can sometimes be due to problems in the immune system.  Recurrent pneumonia or sinus infections can also sometimes be caused by deficiencies in the immune system.

If you have ever suffered from a severe generalized allergic reaction  or anaphlaxis, an evaluation by an allergist may prove to be life-saving.  These reactions may occur following insect stings or bites, exposure to medications, or from foods such as peanuts.

While we often only think of seeing an allergist for things like seasonal allergies or “hayfever”, an allergist can actually help in many other ways.  There are many conditions ranging from rare to very common that only an allergist has been specially trained to deal with.

Do I need allergy shots?
Allergy shots, also known as  allergen immunotherapy ,are  a way to change the way our immune system responds to the things to which we are allergic.  For example, if a person starts to sneeze or  wheeze when around cats, over the course of time, allergy shots will help diminish these symptoms.   Medications such as antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays also work to relieive these symptoms but sometimes they may not be enough.

Starting allergy shots is a long term commitment.  Sometimes your allergist will strongly recommend them and say that this is the best option to control all the inflammation caused by your allergies.  Other times there may be an open discussion between you and your doctor about the benefits and downfalls of this type of therapy.   Allergy shots are the closest thing to a “cure” for allergies.  Medications only act to mask the symptoms that result from allergic reactions but over time allergy shots prevent the allergic inflammation from occurring.

People with severe reactions to stinging insects such as bees, wasps, yellow jackets or hornets may be asked to get allergy shots to these insects.  This has been proven to be lifesaving.

Sometimes people may have symptoms of allergies but after testing no allergies are identified.  In this situation allergy shots are not offered, but your allergist will work closely with you to find ways to best minimize symptoms.