Allergist

An allergist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases (such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, urticaria, food and drug allergy, angioedema, etc.).

During the initial consultation, the allergist will ask about the existing symptoms, their specifics, as well as inquire about previous illnesses, reactions to anaesthesia, vaccines or other medications. It is very useful if the patient has observed the symptoms, knows the names, doses of used medications and duration of use.

Allergic examinations can be very diverse, they depend on the manifestations of each patient's disease.

Most often, an allergist is necessary if:

• another specialist (dermatologist, general practitioner, immunologist, etc.) suspects that the cause of the problem could be an allergy;
• the patient has a long-term cold, frequent inflammation of upper respiratory tract, seasonal rhinitis, especially with simultaneous eye irritation, lacrimation, cough;
• there have been systematic reactions (anaphylactic shock) after using medications or insect (bee, wasp) bites;
• the patient has signs of asthma (cough, especially at night, difficulty breathing, whistling sound in chest).
   

Most allergies cannot be completely cured, therefore the patient must be ready to change habits or living conditions. Such changes are especially significant if the allergen is dust mites, mould or animals. Allergist can help the patient adapt to new restrictions as conveniently as possible by giving practical advice.

The most common types of allergies:

• hay fever (pathological reaction of body to pollen);
• food intolerance or allergy;
• atopic dermatitis;
• allergic rhinitis or cold.