The impact of allergies is felt far and wide in America, with every demographic nationwide being more affected today than they were in the 1980s. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 50 million Americans have asthma or some form of allergies each year.
While there is still no cure for allergies, they can be managed through treatment and product usage in your home and workplace. Many people, however, develop allergies later in life and are taken unaware when their symptoms start to show. There are a number of ways to create a happier and healthier life through allergy control, but the best practice is to consult with a specialist through an allergy evaluation first before incorporating any holistic remedies, new products or materials into your life.
An allergist is the person who would perform your allergy evaluation. But what is an allergist and what can they do for you?
"An allergist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hay fever, food allergies, allergic asthma, allergic skin reactions, drug allergies, allergic sinusitis, recurrent infections and insect sting reactions," writes Julie Kuriakose, M.D., a board certified allergist.
There are a number of reasons to consult with a specialist, but here are a few indicators that it might be time to have an allergy evaluation.
- You have chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing that is the result of environmental factors
- You experience the impact of hay fever or other allergy symptoms at certain times during the year like seasonal changes, high humidity or during uncommon weather
- You experience consistent bodily reactions after eating certain foods – this is especially common with shellfish and nuts
- Your skin is especially itchy, dry or both
- You have been diagnosed with a medical allergy like penicillin following a hospital visit
- Over the counter prescriptions like antihistamines do not affect the severity of your allergy symptoms, or they create less-than-desired side effects like drowsiness or inability to focus
Allergists are also helpful with asthma, and you should visit for an asthma evaluation if:
- Occasionally you struggle to catch your breath for any reason
- You find yourself wheezing or coughing at night or after exercise
- You are short of breath regularly or feel a tightness in your chest frequently
- You have already been diagnosed with asthma, but still have attacks even with regular consumption of asthma medication
At the end of the day, if your allergies or asthma symptoms are beginning to impact your ability to function in day-to-day life, it is time to visit an allergy specialist. For more information on what to expect when you visit a specialist, stay tuned to this blog. If you have already consulted with a doctor, and they have recommended investing in allergy prevention products like hypoallergenic bedding and sheets, visit Allergy Be Gone today.
