Monthly Archives: August 2017

What Does an Allergist Do?

Do You Need To See An Allergist?

An allergist is a physician who has specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma, allergic conditions, and immune system diseases such as chronic cold, atopic dermatitis, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, etc. Allergists are trained to not only identify and treat, but also manage and prevent immune system disorders like immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases.

After getting a medical degree, the allergist then completes a 3-year residency-training program in either pediatrics or medicine, followed by a 2-3 year advanced study in the field of allergy and immunology.

The work profile of allergists involves the use of medical instruments and equipment, examination of patients, and carrying out patch and blood tests. They are required to study the medical history of their patients, assess the test results and prescribe medication and treatment plans accordingly. Often times, an allergist will need to observe the patient’s condition and re-assess treatment plans when necessary.

tchy eyes, frequent sneezing, and a runny nose are all indicators of allergies. More than half of the US population has tested positive for at least one kind of allergen, and allergies are among the most widespread chronic diseases in the country. If you feel that the medical problem you are experiencing is a result of an allergy, it is important that you see a certified professional immediately. This medical specialist has all the necessary skills and equipment for identifying an allergic condition.

You should see an allergist if:

    • Your allergies are causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, chronic sinus infections, or breathing problems.
    • You are experiencing hay fever or other symptoms of allergies several months in the year
    • Over-the-counter medicines and antihistamines are failing to control your allergy symptoms or are creating undesirable side effects, like fatigue.
    • Your asthma or allergies are hindering your ability to perform daily activities.
    • You are experiencing serious warning signs of asthma, like:
    • Difficulty catching your breath
    • Often coughing or wheezing, especially after a workout or during the nighttime
    • Typically feeling shortness of breath or tightness in the chest area

Allergies and asthma can affect anyone, regardless of their gender, age or socioeconomic factors. Although it is true that allergies are more prevalent in children, they can really occur for the first time at any age.

Even though the precise genetic factors are not yet completely understood, there is definitely a hereditary tendency to allergies, for example, asthma. In susceptible people, factors like stress, hormones, the types of perfumes you use, smoking, or other environmental factors may also lay a huge role.

If you have been previously diagnosed with asthma or are more prone to be affected by the factors above, you should definitely have a reputable allergist on your speed dial. If you are unsure of where to get started, contact us today and we will schedule for you an appointment with the best allergist in New York.

Call our offices at 212-319-5282 to schedule an appointment.

Hidden Allergens around the House

Ever wonder why you suddenly got that rash upon waking up in the morning?  Or why was it that you were coughing so much the night before? Do you often have swollen cheeks? Each individual has a unique medical situation handed to them when they come into contact with certain substances. These substances cause their body to stimulate a reaction that is painful in severe cases and mildly discomforting in other cases. Whether it is your skin turning red or you getting the pink eye, you can be sure that it is due to an allergen.

What are Allergens?

An allergen is a substance that causes the body to adversely react to it. People have different allergic reactions to the same allergen, which could be due to several medical reasons. They can be found anywhere, from pollen to the food that you eat, to animals and even dust. Most of the allergens travel through the air and can cause congestion and breathing problems once inhaled. They can also get into your eyes and on your skin, cause uncomfortable irritations.

There are a lot of allergens present at our homes that we don’t know about. You will only be able to take the necessary precautions proper once you identity the allergen. Here are some hidden household allergens:

    Dust:

Let’s face it, no matter how much you keep your house clean, dust will always find a way to get in. House dust is a combination of many allergens such as food particles, bacteria, viruses and pollen. But the most lethal dust particle is the waste product of the dust mite. This small organism thrives in humid conditions. Did you know that there are millions microscopic organisms living on your bed? It is scary, but true. All you can do is wash your bed once or twice a year and use fresh beddings twice every week.

    Perfume:

This is one of the most common allergens in household products. It can contain a variety of fragrances, both natural and synthetically made. Nowadays, most of soaps, shower gels and even shoe polishes we use contain perfume, which can be harmful for a lot of people. It is important to talk to a reputable dermatologist to help determine whether or not you have perfume allergy.

    Pets:

One out of every three households in the US has pets. Both dogs and cats are preferred in majority and that speaks volumes on how some people get allergies early in life. Because pets shed their fur, they can carry bacteria and other allergens, ticks and whatnot. A lot of people cannot even stand next to pets without sneezing or coughing.

Bottom Line:

With allergens everywhere, one has to take necessary precautions and use anti allergic medication. Spring is known to be the worst for people with allergies as pollen travels everywhere through the air. Keep a respirator or a mask to steer clear of allergic reactions and similar medical complications

Call our offices at 212-319-5282 to schedule an appointment with the best allergist in New York City.

Serving all of New York City and the Tri State Area including Zip Codes: Top Allergist NYC Midtown, Chelsea and Clinton: 10001, 10011, 10018, 10019, 10020, 10036 | Gramercy Park and Murray Hill: 10010, 10016, 10017, 10022 | Greenwich Village and Soho: 10012, 10013, 10014 | Lower Manhattan: 10004, 10005, 10006, 10007, 10038, 10280 | Lower East Side: 10002, 10003, 10009 | Upper East Side: 10021, 10028, 10044, 10128 | Upper West Side: 10023, 10024, 10025

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