For many, allergies are the bane of their existence. The coughing, sneezing, itchy rashes, and congestion are just a few of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with allergies. These symptoms reveal themselves when it is most inconvenient. While spring and fall are well-known for being vulnerable times for people with allergies, those suffering from this condition know that allergy season can strike at just about any time under the right conditions. For this reason, it is essential to have the expert, professional guidance of a highly-trained allergist in Princeton to assist you with beating your allergies.
Help for Allergies
An allergist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of various allergic conditions. They are also referred to as immunologists because they study the immune system to determine why the body reacts in the way that it does to specific triggers. These specialized physicians also diagnose, treat, and manage conditions such as asthma as well as immunodeficiency diseases.
Because they study the immune system and the various factors that trigger the body to react against itself, the knowledge and expertise of immunologists are important for those seeking to understand and effectively manage and treat a wide assortment of allergy conditions. Some of the common conditions that immunologists help to diagnose, manage and treat include allergic reactions to:
●food
●latex
●pollen
●bug bites
●animal dander
●mold
●medications
They also assist with pervasive allergic reactions such as primary immune deficiency syndrome, which is a condition where part of the immune system is either poorly functioning or missing. This produces various types of allergic reactions as the body's immune system is not strong enough to resist infections and other outside influences that are perceived as a threat by a weakened or malfunctioning immune system.
Immunologists also assist with treating allergic asthma, which is caused by inhaling allergens. Examples of these allergens include mold, pet hair, or dust. While some people may sneeze or break out in a rash when encountering these allergens, those with allergic asthma experience the common symptoms of an asthma attack, which includes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The immunologist works with asthmatic people to identify the triggers and assist with creating ways to manage the condition.
Testing & Treatment Methods
How immunologists treat patients vary based on the specific symptoms associated with allergic reactions. Some of the common tests performed by trained immunologists such as Dr. Edwards include:
1.Prick Testing is a popular test that utilizes a drop of a specific allergen placed under the skin layer to potentially create an allergic reaction.
2.Patch Testing is used to determine if an allergen causes contact dermatitis, such as when a person that is allergic to nickel breaks out in a rash due to contact.
3.Blood Testing is used when there are issues utilizing skin tests or for analyzing the level of allergy antibodies in people with long-term allergy conditions.
4.Pulmonary Testing assists with determining lung function and possible limitations that occur due to breathing specific allergens. The use of spirometry, where the individual blows into a tube to measure how much air they can force out of the lungs, is one of the main testing instruments for allergic asthmatics.
When treating allergies, immunologists consider, evaluate, and analyze the results from the various tests to determine what causes specific allergic reactions. This allows them to create plans to assist patients with effectively treating and managing allergies. Some patients may receive shots while others may receive sublingual drops. Depending on the specific allergic reaction, some patients may require prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The immunologist determines the particular type of immunology treatment that is best for treating allergic reactions in each patient.
In general, treating allergies does require developing a close relationship with your allergist. You will have numerous appointments so that the immunologist can administer specific treatments. For the protection of patients, there is usually a 30-minute grace period at the end of each treatment appointment to monitor patients for possible system-wide allergic reactions, also known as anaphylactic reactions. Thus, it is vital to select your immunologist with care.
When to Seek Assistance
While many people suffer from allergies, there are some definitive signs that it's time for you to seek the professional guidance of an allergist. They include:
●When your allergic reactions become more frequent than usual.
●Use of over-the-counter medications is ineffective, causes unpleasant side effects, or you have to take more than usual to alleviate symptoms
●Difficulty breathing
●Your allergies are starting to impact your quality of living.
You don't have to spend your life tolerating allergic reactions. There are ways to effectively treat and manage allergies with the assistance and guidance of a well-trained immunologist. If you are seeking a quality practitioner in the Princeton area, Dr. Edwards is a leading specialist in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergy conditions. She offers extensive experience treating people with food, seasonal, skin condition, seasonal, and environmental allergies. She currently provides consultations at the Becker Ear Nose and Throat Center. For more information, contact (609) 430-9200.
