Seasonal allergies affect nearly 20 percent of the general population at some point during their lifetimes. However, research shows that the prevalence of seasonal allergies is much higher than previously thought.
According to an immunologist in Portland, seasonal allergies occur when your body’s immune system recognizes certain substances as foreign and triggers allergic reactions. These substances include dust, animal dander, and pollens from trees, grasses, weeds, or other plants that grow outdoors between springtime and fall. If you have seasonal allergies, your doctor will likely recommend seeing an allergist who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions caused by allergen exposure. Most allergists are also board-certified allergy/immunology specialists (ACSC).
What is an allergist?
An allergist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions caused by exposure to allergens — substances that cause allergic reactions in some people. In the U.S., approximately 20 percent of the population suffers from seasonal allergies, which comprise the vast majority of allergic conditions. Allergists are trained to recognize the early symptoms of allergic reactions, which can be the difference between life and death. As a result, they can often provide lifesaving diagnoses and treatment in a timely manner.
Allergy specialists are physicians who have additional training in allergy and immunology. As a result, they are more likely to treat patients with allergies and asthma. In addition, allergy specialists are often board-certified specialists in allergy and immunology (ACSC). This means they have completed a formal board certification process, verifying their expertise in both fields.
How to Find an Allergist
To find an allergist near you, search your local hospital’s list of specialists. You can also ask friends or family members with allergies or asthma if they know of any allergists in your area. If that doesn’t work, you can also try posting an online “wanted” ad — or just knock on a few doors until you find someone who can refer you. Be sure to let the people you speak with know what you’re looking for in an allergist — such as your type of allergies and your medical history. You may also want to ask if they know of allergists who treat children. In addition, be sure to write down any phone numbers you’re given in case you need to reach allergists again.
Why Is It Important to See an Asthma and Allergy Specialist?
Seasonal allergies can be a significant health concern. These allergies usually become apparent in late spring or early summer and last until fall. Some people may develop allergies more frequently than once a year. Allergic reactions to allergens — such as pollen, dust, animal dander, and food — are common and serious. However, it is important to see an allergist if you have seasonal allergies.
An allergist can help you better manage your allergies and prevent complications such as an anaphylactic reaction — when your body goes into an allergic response. An allergist can also help you better understand your allergies and develop a plan to prevent or reduce your exposure to allergens.
Types of Allergies and Their Treatment Options
The most common type of seasonal allergy is allergic rhinitis or hay fever. People with allergic rhinitis often have it during early spring or late fall. They may notice a decrease in symptoms when air quality improves outdoors in the spring or fall, only to experience a severe reaction when the weather turns warm and dry again. Common seasonal allergies include asthma triggered by trees, weed, grass pollen, and latex. The treatment for all types of seasonal allergies is to prevent exposure to allergens and treat symptoms with medication.
Allergists can prescribe anti-allergy medications, such as antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs, and decongestants. They can also recommend immunotherapy for people with dust and pollen allergies. Immunotherapy involves exposing you to tiny amounts of the allergen to build up your immune system to better recognize and fight allergens.
When Should you Consult an Immunologist or Pulmonologist?
If you’re out of breath, have shortness of breath while exercising, or feel nauseous after exerting yourself, you may have a lung condition known as exercise-induced asthma. When this happens, it’s important to see your allergist. An allergist can help you better understand what’s causing your symptoms and develop a plan to prevent or reduce your symptoms. Pulmonary (lung) disease specialists can also help identify whether you have seasonal allergies. A pulmonary (lung) specialist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the lungs. This can include diseases of the airway (such as asthma), the lungs (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD), and the heart (such as heart failure).
