4 Questions to Ask Your Allergy Doctor
Piniella Asthma + Allergy offers expert care for managing allergies, including persistent sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and breathing difficulties. Board-certified allergist Dr. Carlos J. Piniella helps identify triggers and develops a tailored treatment plan, ensuring comfort and well-being. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Coral Gables, FL, and Palmetto Bay, FL!
Table of Contents:
What will an allergy doctor do?
What causes allergies?
What can an allergy doctor do for allergies?
What happens if allergies are left untreated?
Allergies are hypersensitive reactions to certain substances known as allergic triggers; foods, medications, insects, and mold are some of the most common triggers. Each person’s response to allergies is different, and while most people can tolerate common allergies, others experience more severe symptoms and can even develop anaphylaxis, the most serious type of allergic reaction. The severity of an allergic reaction depends on the person, the allergen, and the amount of the allergen to which the person was exposed.
Allergy doctors have many roles and responsibilities, from consultations and prevention to diagnoses and treatment. One of the most common diagnostic procedures they perform is allergy testing, which can detect dozens of different allergic triggers in various ways, including skin-prick tests, patch tests, and blood tests. They are also qualified to prescribe medication for allergies, including both inhalants and oral medicines. Another major role of allergists is performing procedures to reduce allergic reactions, such as desensitization. One of the most important services that allergists provide is the management of allergies and their symptoms; this is often achieved by implementing lifestyle changes to avoid allergic triggers, as well as educating their patients on how to handle allergic symptoms when they arise.
Allergies are caused by seemingly harmless substances that trigger an immune response; this is known as an allergic reaction. In most people, coming into contact with these substances is completely innocuous; however, the immune system in people with allergies mistakenly identifies these ordinarily harmless substances as a dangerous invaders and starts to release histamines in response. Common allergy triggers include:
• Airborne allergens, such as:
• Pollen
• Animal dander
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Certain foods, particularly:
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Wheat
• Soy
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Eggs
• Milk
• Insect stings, such as from:
• Bees
• Wasps
• Medications, particularly:
• Penicillin
• Penicillin-based antibiotics
• Latex
An allergy doctor can perform skin tests and other tests to determine what allergies a person is suffering from and may prescribe medication to treat those allergies. They can also recommend ways to prevent allergies, such as avoiding certain foods, medications, or environmental conditions. Allergy doctors are able to provide a variety of allergy-specific medical services and treatments, including:
• Prescription and over-the-counter medication
• Allergy shots
• Allergy testing
When allergies are left untreated, the symptoms can worsen over time, requiring more interventional therapies to find relief. In severe cases, untreated allergies can develop into more serious reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition that must always be treated in a hospital emergency room. Even in less severe cases, people with untreated allergies can experience more frequent symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sore throat, and skin rashes, negatively affecting their quality of life. It is important to identify and treat allergies as soon as possible, as the longer allergies are left untreated, the worse they become. In some cases, people may not even realize they have an allergy until after the reaction has occurred, so the sooner allergies are identified and treated, the better the chances of achieving long-term relief.
If you are experiencing allergic symptoms, it is important to have an allergist whom you can trust. Call us today to book an appointment with our allergy doctor; we have two locations to better serve you: one in Coral Gables, FL, and one in Palmetto Bay, FL. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Coral Gables FL, Palmetto Bay FL, Miami FL, Westchester FL, Brownsville FL, Kendall FL, Pinecrest FL, Richmond West FL, and Goulds FL.
Additional Services You May Need
▸ Asthma
▸ Allergy Testing
▸ Food Allergies
▸ Immunotherapy
▸ Patch Testing
▸ Allergy Treatment
▸ Pediatric Asthma Specialist
▸ Pediatric Allergist
▸ Insect Bite Allergy
▸ Drug Allergy
▸ Seasonal Allergies
▸ Skin Allergy
Additional Services You May Need
▸ Asthma
▸ Allergy Testing
▸ Food Allergies
▸ Immunotherapy
▸ Patch Testing
▸ Allergy Treatment
▸ Pediatric Asthma Specialist
▸ Pediatric Allergist
▸ Insect Bite Allergy
▸ Drug Allergy
▸ Seasonal Allergies
▸ Skin Allergy