Find An Allergist / Immunologist | Pollen Levels | Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology | Annual Meeting   Contact    About AAAAI    Search
Patients & Consumers Conditions En Español Find an Allergist / Immunologist Just for Kids New Research Parent Resources Pollen Levels Publications Request a Speaker School Tools Seniors The Virtual Allergist™ Treatments Donate Now Search by Condition (A-Z) Search by Topic Allergy & Asthma Issues Educational Brochures Elements of Allergy and Asthma Order Public Education Materials Allergy Shots Drug Guide Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)		What can an allergist/immunologist offer? An allergist/immunologist is specifically trained in diagnosing the correct specific insect species that caused the reaction. An allergist/immunologist is skilled in making recommendations for treatment of the allergy and avoidance of the insect. An allergist/immunologist is an expert in administering venom immunotherapy which can prevent death from subsequent stings. An allergist/immunologist can determine the length of a course of immunotherapy treatment to venom or fire ant extract that may be necessary. The AAAAI suggests parents use the following checklist on the next visit to their child's allergist/immunologist: Severe allergic reactions to insect stings can involve many body organs and may develop rapidly. After your child's symptoms are treated in the emergency room, you should also obtain referral to an allergist/immunologist to learn about treatment options. Anyone who has had a serious adverse reaction to an insect sting should be evaluated by an allergist/immunologist, who will take a thorough history, perform an examination and recommend testing to determine whether you have an allergy, and which type of stinging insect caused the reaction. Skin or blood (RAST) testing for insect allergy is used to detect the presence of significant amounts of IgE antibody. People who have severe allergies to insect venom should consider receiving insect venom immunotherapy, a highly effective vaccination program that actually prevents future allergic sting reactions in 97% of treated patients. Five is the youngest recommended age to start immunotherapy in the United States for several reasons, including the difficulties younger children may have in cooperating with the immunotherapy program. Print off a PDF checklist <back>
		© 1996-2009 · All Rights Reserved · American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Disclaimers and Contact Information · Site Map