Health&Wellness Magazine August 2014 | Page 9

For advertising information visit www.samplerpublications.com or call 859.225.4466 | August 2014 The Role of an Allergist By Jamie Lober, Staff Writer Wondering what an allergist does? Wonder no more. “The allergist/immunologist is a physician that is an expert and treats patients of all ages with allergic and immunologic conditions,” says Dr. Beth Miller, chief of the division of allergy and immunology at the University of Kentucky. They treat and diagnose a variety of complaints, some more common than others. “The diseases we treat vary and range from common allergic rhinosinusitus and asthma to immunodeficiencies,” says Miller. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, more than 50 million people in the United States have allergies, so this is quite a booming profession. Those who suffer from ear, nose or throat issues may wonder if an allergist can help them. Miller advises: “If your symptoms are not controlled, if you have been hospitalized for an allergic condition or if your symptoms require oral steroids for relief, those are a few reasons to be seen by an allergy expert.” The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says that anyone with allergies and asthma should be able to feel good, be active all day and sleep well at night. There is no reason that people should accept less when it is possible to get relief. If you have sinus infections, skin allergies, immune system problems that may cause frequent infections, reactions to food, insect stings or drugs; eye allergies or asthma and a frequent cough, it is time to schedule an appointment. A visit with the allergist is comprehensive and it can help to bring a journal of your symptoms and what you are experiencing. “Our expertise is best at identifying triggers and allergens causing your symptoms by taking a thorough history and physical and then ordering appropriate tests,” says Miller. Treatment will then be planned accordingly. There is no such thing as a typical patient. Allergies do not discriminate by age, sex or ethnicity. Family history plays a role as well as exposure to the bothersome allergen. “Common complaints of allergic rhinosinusitus or nose and sinus inflammation include itchy, sneezy, runny, stuffy, post nasal drip; or symptoms similar to cold-like symptoms but without a fever,” says Miller. Symptoms can involve the eyes, throat, skin and chest in addition to the nasal or sinus area. The idea is that with help from an allergist, you should be able to go about your life in a way that is as normal and symptom-free as possible. Two new allergy treatments have made the headlines lately. “Recently, a sublingual allergy therapy, or oral drops for grass and ragweed allergy, was FDA approved,” says Miller. The downside is that since most people are allergic to molds, dust, animal dander and trees, this treatment will only benefit a limited population. Sec