{"id":283,"date":"2019-07-13T05:45:56","date_gmt":"2019-07-13T05:45:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jerathpathlabs.com\/blog\/?p=283"},"modified":"2024-01-17T05:59:33","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T05:59:33","slug":"meet-your-allergist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jerathpathlabs.com\/jblog\/2019\/07\/13\/meet-your-allergist\/","title":{"rendered":"Unlock Allergy Solutions: Experts at Jerath Path Labs Await You!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Who is an allergist?<\/span><\/h2>\n

An allergist is a physician specialising in diagnosing and treating asthma and other hypersensitive diseases associated with the immune system. The allergist is specially trained to identify allergy and asthma triggers. Allergists help people treat or prevent their hypersensitivity issues. After earning a medical degree, the allergist completes a three-year residency training program in internal medicine or paediatrics. Next, the allergist will complete two or three more years of study in hypersensitivity and immunology. You can be sure your doctor has met these requirements if they are certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the immune system, and how is it linked with hypersensitivity?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The immune system is involved in defending the body from infection. One of the marvels of the human body is that it can protect itself against harmful invaders such as viruses or bacteria. But sometimes the defences are too aggressive, and harmless substances such as dust, moulds or pollen are mistakenly identified as dangerous. The immune system then rallies its defences, incorporating several chemicals to assault and destroy the supposed enemy. In the process, some unpleasant and, in extreme cases, life-threatening manifestations may be experienced in the hypersensitivity-prone individual.<\/span><\/p>\n

The reasons for hypersensitive responses:<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hundreds of ordinary substances can trigger hypersensitive responses. The most common are plant pollens, moulds, household dust (dust mites), cockroaches, pets, industrial chemicals, foods, medicines, feathers and insect stings. These triggers are called as “allergens.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Who develops asthma or hypersensitivities?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Asthma and hypersensitivities can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or socioeconomic factors. While it’s true that asthma and hypersensitivities are more common in children, they can occur for the first time at any age. Sometimes allergy symptoms start in childhood, disappear for many years, and start up again during adulthood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although the exact genetic factors are not yet understood, there is a hereditary tendency to asthma and hypersensitivities. In susceptible people, factors such as hormones, stress, smoke, perfume or other environmental irritants also may play a role.<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of allergy problems<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

An allergic reaction may occur anywhere in the body but usually appears in the nose, eyes, lungs, stomach lining, sinuses, throat and skin. These are places where special immune system cells are stationed to fight off invaders inhaled, swallowed or in contact with the skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Allergic rhinitis is a general term used to describe the allergic reactions that take place in the nose. Symptoms may include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itching of the nose, the eyes and the roof of the mouth. When pollens or outdoor moulds trigger this problem during the Spring, Summer or Fall, the condition is often called “hay fever.” When the problem is year-round, it might be caused by exposure to house dust mites, household pets, indoor moulds or allergens at school or in the workplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

Asthma<\/span><\/h3>\n

Asthma symptoms occur when airway muscle spasms block airflow to the lungs, and the linings of the bronchial tubes become inflamed. Excess mucus may clog the airways. An asthma attack is characterised by difficult or restricted breathing, a tight feeling in the chest, coughing and wheezing. Sometimes, a chronic cough is the only symptom. Asthma trouble can cause only mild discomfort, or it can cause life-threatening attacks in which breathing stops altogether.<\/span><\/p>\n

Atopic and Contact Dermatitis\/Hives\/Skin Hypersensitivities<\/span><\/h3>\n

Atopic and contact dermatitis, eczema and hives are skin conditions that allergens and other irritants can cause. Often, the reaction may take hours or days to develop, as in the case of poison ivy. The most common allergic causes of rashes are medicines, insect stings, foods, animals and chemicals used at home or work. Hypersensitivities may be aggravated by emotional stress.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anaphylaxis<\/span><\/h3>\n

Anaphylaxis is a rare, potentially fatal allergic reaction that affects many parts of the body at the same time. The trigger may be an insect sting, a food (such as peanuts) or a medication. Symptoms may include:<\/span><\/p>\n