What is an allergist?
An allergist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, asthma, and other immune system disorders. Allergists have advanced training in identifying the causes of allergic reactions and developing treatment plans to help patients manage their allergies and asthma.
If you have asthma, an allergist can help you by:
- Identifying triggers that may be causing or worsening your asthma symptoms, such as allergens, irritants, or certain medications.
- Developing a treatment plan to help you manage your asthma, which may include medications, lifestyle changes, or allergen avoidance strategies.
- Providing education and guidance on how to use asthma inhalers and other medications correctly.
- Monitoring your asthma control and adjusting your treatment plan as needed.
- Providing allergy testing to help determine if allergies are contributing to your asthma.
- Providing immunotherapy (allergy shots) to help reduce your sensitivity to allergens.
If you have asthma and are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, it may be helpful to see an allergist for evaluation and treatment. An allergist can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to help manage your asthma and improve your quality of life.
Treatment for Asthma and Allergies
There are several approaches to treating asthma and allergies, depending on the severity of the condition and the specific triggers that are causing symptoms. Some common treatments for asthma and allergies include:
- Medications: There are several types of medications that can be used to treat asthma and allergies, including bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antihistamines. These medications can help to relieve symptoms, prevent attacks, and improve overall control of the condition.
- Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your environment and daily habits can help to reduce your exposure to asthma and allergy triggers. This may include avoiding smoke and other pollutants, using air purifiers, and keeping windows and doors closed during high pollen seasons.
- Allergen avoidance: Avoiding contact with allergens that trigger your symptoms can be an effective way to manage allergies. This may involve identifying and avoiding specific allergens, such as pollen or pet dander, or taking steps to reduce your exposure to allergens in your home, such as using hypoallergenic bedding and cleaning products.
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots): For people with allergies, immunotherapy involves receiving a series of injections that contain small amounts of the allergens that trigger their symptoms. Over time, this can help to reduce the body’s sensitivity to allergens and reduce allergy symptoms.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat asthma or allergies. For example, people with nasal polyps (noncancerous growths in the nasal passages) may need surgery to remove the polyps and improve their breathing.
It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
Finding A Certified Allergist
To find an allergist near Portland, OR, you can try searching online directories or using a search engine like Google. You can also try calling your insurance company or a local hospital for recommendations.
Additionally, you can try the following methods:
- Search online directories or use a search engine like Google to find allergists in your area.
- Call your insurance company or a local hospital for recommendations.
- Check with professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) or the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), which may have directories of allergists in Portland.
- Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an allergist in Portland.
It’s a good idea to research the allergist’s credentials, experience, and patient reviews before making an appointment. You may also want to call the allergist’s office to ask about their availability and whether they accept your insurance.
