What is an allergist?

An allergist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis, asthma and other allergic diseases. Allergists are specially trained to identify the factors that trigger sinusitis, asthma or allergies. Allergists help people treat or prevent their allergy problems.

What is an allergy?

The human body 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. An allergic reaction may occur anywhere in the body but usually appears in the nose, eyes, lungs, lining of the stomach, sinuses, throat and skin. These are places where special immune system cells are stationed to fight off invaders that are inhaled, swallowed or come in contact with the skin.

Types of allergy problems

• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Allergic rhinitis is a general term used to describe the allergic reactions that take place in the nose. Symptoms may include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itching of the nose, the eyes and/or the roof of the mouth. When pollens or outdoor molds trigger this problem, during the spring, summer or fall, the condition is often called "hay fever." When the problem is year-round, it might be caused by exposure to house dust mites, household pets, indoor molds or allergens at school or in the workplace.

• Asthma

Asthma symptoms occur when airway muscle spasms block the flow of air to the lungs and/or the linings of the bronchial tubes become inflamed. Excess mucus may clog the airways. Labored or restricted breathing, a tight feeling in the chest, coughing and/or wheezing characterize an asthma attack. Sometimes a chronic cough is the only symptom. Asthma trouble can cause only mild discomfort or it can cause life-threatening attacks in which breathing stops altogether.

You should see an allergist if:

• Your allergies are causing symptoms such as chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing.

• You experience hay fever or other allergy symptoms several months out of the year.

• Antihistamines and over-the-counter medications do not control your allergy symptoms or create unacceptable side effects, such as drowsiness.

• You are experiencing warning signs of serious asthma such as;

• struggling to catch your breath.

• Wheezing and coughing, especially at night or after exercise.

• shortness of breath or feeling tightness in your chest.

• You have previously been diagnosed with asthma, and you have frequent asthma attacks even though you are taking asthma medication.

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