How Allergy and Asthma Specialists help diagnose and create treatment plans

asthma and allergy specialist

The Allergy and Asthma specialists will evaluate and manage allergic and immunologic disorders affecting both children and adults. Additionally,  they offer highly specialized services from allergy testing, allergy treatments, asthma treatments, to immunotherapy.

Common reasons patients visit allergy and asthma specialists frequently:
Allergy Testing

Allergy testing can be performed via skin testing or through lab work. You can discuss the testing options with the allergy doctor to see what best works for you and your condition, although skin prick testing is a virtually pain-free, highly reliable form of allergy testing. Skin testing is performed in-office for various types of allergies including environmental and food allergies. With skin testing, you can see your results during your visit. Another testing may be used alone or in conjunction with skin testing depending on your specific case.

Allergy Treatments

Allergy specialists (immunology doctors) will work closely with you to develop the best treatments and the most effective solutions to lessen, and in some cases halt the progression of your allergies. The Allergy and asthma specialists will find a comprehensive approach that uncovers the cause of your allergy while providing the best solutions. We provide a complete range of services to help our patients resolve their allergy condition including environmental modification, medication, and Immunotherapy (using allergy shots or drops).

Allergy Evaluation

Patients come to see our allergists for various reasons, some of the most common being: allergic rhinitis, ocular allergies, sinusitis, food allergies, spice allergies, pet allergies, and environmental allergies.
Asthma Evaluation & Treatments: We offer diagnosis, treatment, and management of asthma. For many adults, uncovering your allergies and working to improve your environment will be critical in controlling your asthma.

  • Evaluation & Treatment of Skin Allergies:
  • Urticaria (hives) – Acute /chronic
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
  • Contact dermatitis
The Most Common Types of Allergy Tests Performed Include:
Skin Prick Tests

Skin prick allergy testing is the most common and is virtually painless. A very small amount of certain allergens are applied to your skin by making a small indentation or “prick” on the surface of your arms (or back) using plastic pricks. This type of testing is utilized to test for environmental, food, and/or spice allergies. If you have allergies, a small red bump similar to a mosquito bite will appear on the skin. Positive reactions generally occur within about 20-30 minutes thus allowing you to see what you are allergic to during your visit. And generally, the small hives where the tests were done will go away within 30 minutes. After the testing, ice and creams may be applied locally to reduce any redness and itching at the test sites.

Intradermal Tests

If your prick skin tests are negative but your allergist still suspects you might have allergies, more sensitive tests may be used in which a small amount of allergen is injected within the skin. This type of testing may also be utilized to confirm your allergies and determine your sensitivity for purposes of making your serum for allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops).

Challenge Tests

A very small amount of an allergen is inhaled or taken by mouth. Challenges are done mostly with potential food allergies. Challenge tests are always performed in our office under the supervision of our practitioners.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are generally used when skin tests might be unsafe or won’t work, such as if you are taking certain medications, or have a skin condition that may interfere with skin testing. The blood tests are prescribed in our office and done in nearby labs.

Skin Patch Tests

Patch tests are used for skin allergies, also known as contact dermatitis. They can determine if a patient’s skin contact with certain chemicals, metals, fragrances, or other things cause a rash or dermatitis. These allergens are applied to a patch that is numbered and placed on your back. Patch tests take more time than skin tests and do not yield an immediate response as with skin testing. You will return to the office after 48 to 72 hours to have the patches removed and your test read.

How can Allergy and Asthma specialists help online?

A telemedicine visit allows you to discuss your treatment plan, renew any prescriptions or allergy shots, and address any other issues from the comfort of your home or anywhere you choose. You can talk to a doctor online who is U.S. board-certified, and available to assess your asthma symptoms, and work with you for continued care. Allergy and Asthma specialists will help you come up with strategies for dealing with triggers, managing medications, and handling emergencies by requesting a visit. Remember, a proactive approach to asthma management will allow you to stay in control and breathe easier.

By establishing a plan to control symptoms, your allergy and asthma specialists will help you get back to work and school without discomfort, comfortably exercise, and sleep through the night without coughing or feeling short of breath. The goal is not just to avoid hospital trips, but to take part in regular life activities with ease.

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