Immunologist
An Immunologist can be described as a medical specialist trained to prevent, diagnose, manage and treat diseases that result from abnormalities of the immune system. Immunologists are highly qualified and trained to treat immune system disorders such as allergies, asthma, inherited immunodeficiency diseases and autoimmune diseases. Clinical immunologists and allergy specialists undergo similar training as with any other medical specialists. After completion of four years of premedical education at a college or university, they receive atleast four years of medical school education. After receiving general training in internal medicine, they receive additional training in immunology and allergy areas. Immunologists are involved in a gamut of work areas, in hospitals, private practice, diagnostic immunology laboratories, research centers and industrial houses. The medical immunologist or allergy specialist primarily identifies and treats the diseases that result from abnormalities of the immune system.
Patients are referred by a general physician for further diagnosis, confirmation and management of clinical disorders of the immune system.
Patients seeking the advice of an immunologist for education regarding disorders of the immune system.
Patients suffering from life threatening allergies such as anaphylaxis.
When food or occupational allergy is suspected, the patient is referred to an immunologist.
When a physician contemplates immunotherapy for treatment of allergic diseases, the patient is sent to the immunologist.
Patients suffering from asthma exhibiting continuing poor control despite regular use of asthma medication.
Patients with unexplained inflammation such as fevers of unknown origin, unexplained fevers, weight loss.
For investigation of recurrent or unusual opportunistic infections.
Allergist
Immunologists as they are also called, allergists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating any disease relating to the immune system of the body. Allergists may also specialize in any particular type of allergy like food allergy or may specialize in treating a particular age group such as adults or children. Allergists who treat children are called pediatric allergists. The general conditions treated by allergists are asthma, eczema, insect bites and allergies due to environmental pollution or food. Allergies arise due to various reasons in our day to day life and allergists will be the right persons to identify them.
Allergist diagnoses, reaches the root cause of the problem and identifies the reason for the allergy.
He will ask for a few tests that will help identifying the cause for the allergy. The tests can include either blood tests or skin tests.
Depending on the test results, the reason for the allergy is pinpointed and you will be asked to avoid those allergy-causing agents.
Depending on the type of allergy and taking into account the cause of the allergy, medications are prescribed.
In worse cases, if the allergy refuses to ease off even after medications, injections are given to ease off the allergy.
Choose the right allergist
Ensure that the allergist is a qualified physician who has completed medical school and specialized in pediatrics (in case of children) or internal medicine. He should have completed a specialization in allergic diseases for a period of at least two years.
The allergist should have a certification from the American board of allergy and immunology.
Ask your family physician to recommend the right allergist and check on the type of medication he will use for you.
Ensure he has the right experience to handle the type of problem you or your child is facing.
Modern day innovations have made it easy for people who have to undergo allergy treatments. Medications of the recent days no longer give the patient a drugged feeling as they used to earlier thereby imparting the freedom to carry on with their usual routine. New immunotherapy systems are replacing the traditional ones are both easy to use and highly effective.
Allergic Rhinitis
Rhinitis occurs when there is inflammation of the inner lining of the nose. Allergic Rhinitis is a condition where there is hypersensitivity by the immune system to allergens. Allergic rhinitis is triggered when the body responds to allergens by producing antibodies. Histamines are released into the bloodstream leading to allergic symptoms. Allergic rhinitis is a common medical condition that affects nearly a fifth of the population. Allergic rhinitis is often associated with severe asthma, otitis media and sinusitis. This manifests in symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, stuffy nose and itchy eyes. Some persons suffering from allergic rhinitis may experience frequent headaches and difficulty in hearing and smelling. This condition can bring on fatigue, sleep disorders and drowsiness.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is also known as hay fever and is noticed during autumn. On the other hand perennial allergic rhinitis is a condition where the patient suffers rhinitis symptoms due to exposure to pet hair, carpeting, upholstery or air pollution. Patients suffering from perennial allergenic rhinitis tend to notice the symptoms irrespective of the season. Some of the common allergens are pollen, mold, animal dander, feathers, dust and grass. The symptoms are usually noticed more in winter. Certain foods and spices might increase nasal secretions associated with allergenic rhinitis. Stress and gastroesophageal reflux can trigger the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. There is post nasal drip and cough and may be accompanied by loss of smell.
Antihistamines are prescribed to block the action of the histamines created by allergy. But antihistamines tend to cause drowsiness. Decongestants can help in alleviating the symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as stuffy nose. Decongestants must be used with care on those suffering from , thyroid problems and heart conditions. Corticosteroids are useful in treating allergic rhinitis since they reduce the reaction by the body to the histamines. Steroid nasal sprays can help reduce nasal inflammation and allergy. Mucus thinning agents are prescribed for patients suffering from allergic rhinitis to make the nasal secretions less sticky so that they do not coagulate at the back of the nose and throat.
Keep away from pets if you are extremely allergic to animal dander
Use pillows made from hypoallergenic material such as dacron or polyster
Use HEPA filter for your bedroom and living area
Resort to vacuuming instead of dusting
Drink adequate fluids
Sleep with the head at a slight elevation
Balanced diet
Avoid nasal irritants like perfume, cigarette smoke, car exhaust and aerosol sprays
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