Ask the Right Questions: FAQ Guide to Allergies

Allergic and immunologic diseases are common chronic conditions that affect 50 million Americans. Education is the most important aspect of the management of these allergic diseases. Communication between parents, physicians and a medical specialist should be clear and concise. Understanding how to help keep allergies from interfering with the things you want to do may make a big difference in how you feel and how you live. The following questions are guidelines to help you ask your physician, allergist or medical specialist to ensure you have the correct information and valuable resources for patients with allergic diseases.
 

	What is an allergy?
	An allergy is an abnormal reaction to ordinarily harmless substances. These substances, called allergens, may be inhaled, swallowed or come into contact with the skin. When an allergen is absorbed into the body it triggers white blood cells to produce IgE antibodies. These antibodies attach themselves to mast cells causing release of potent chemical mediators such as histamine, causing typical allergic symptoms.
	What are some common allergens?
	Some common allergens are pollen, mold spores, dust mites, animal dander, feathers, foods, medications and insect stings.
	What is a food-allergy?
	A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly believes that a harmless substance, in this case a food item, is harmful. In an attempt to protect the body, it creates IgE antibodies to that food. The next time the individual eats that food, the immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals and histamines in order to protect the body.
	What is the best treatment for food allergies?
	Strict avoidance of the allergy-causing food is the only way to avoid a reaction. Reading ingredient labels for all foods is the key to maintaining control over the allergy.
	What are the common symptoms of an allergy?
	Allergy symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe (anaphylactic). Mild reactions include these symptoms, watery, itchy eyes, sneezing, and a constant runny nose. Moderate reactions include symptoms that spread to other parts of the body. These may include itchiness or difficulty breathing. A severe reaction (anaphylaxis) is a rare, life-threatening emergency in which the body's response to the allergen is sudden and affects the whole body. If you suspect you may be suffering from allergies, contact an allergist/immunologist for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.
	What is asthma?
	Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system. Asthma is a chronic state of hyper-responsiveness (when muscles in the airways constrict and narrow excessively in response to inhaled allergens or other irritants). Asthma is characterized by coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing. Asthma may be triggered by allergens or other, non-allergic stimuli, such as cold air or tobacco smoke.
	Can asthma be cured?
	There is no cure for asthma. However, with the proper diagnosis and treatment, asthmatics can lead normal, active lives with little disturbance to quality of life.
	What is immunotherapy?
	Immunotherapy, commonly called "allergy shots," is a series of injections that help your body gradually build up immunity to allergens. Allergy sufferers need to have skin testing done by an allergist before they begin immunotherapy to determine exactly what they’re allergic to. Allergy vaccines are tailored for each patient and include only the allergens to which that person reacts.
	Who should consider immunotherapy?
	People with moderate to severe allergies should consider immunotherapy as well as those who have allergies throughout the year, those who do not respond to allergy medications, and those who are allergic to substances which are hard to avoid, like trees and grasses and pets. Immunotherapy is strongly recommended for people with severe allergies to insect stings. Immunotherapy is not recommended for food allergies because it has not been shown to be effective and because of the chance of a severe allergic reaction to the injection.
	How can an allergist help me?
	An allergist is a pediatrician or an internal medicine doctor who has undergone an additional two to three years of training in allergic/immunologic disease. Allergic/immunologic disease includes things like hay fever, asthma, eczema, hives and diseases dealing with compromised immune systems. If you think you might have any of these, see your family doctor. If, after carrying out your doctor’s suggestions, you aren’t satisfied with your quality of life, consider seeing a specialist. Allergists can use work with you to do more advanced testing or provide different types of treatments and management techniques.

Remember the questions above are guidelines, if you have other questions or concerns about how to manage your allergy or asthma symptoms or are unsure about medications prescribed, don't hesitate to discuss these issues with your physician or allergist. Your allergist can help you manage your allergies or asthma. He or she can also determine if you have an allergic disease that is contributing to your condition. A trained allergist will determine what triggers your symptoms, as well as help you develop a management plan. To locate an allergist in your area, visit the Academy’s Physician Referral Directory.