Ask Allergy Asthma Expert

 

Ask Allergy Asthma Expert/Allergy Specialist/ Allergist

Step 1: Verify the symptoms you are experiencing:

Common symptoms of allergy:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy nose
• Stuffy nose
• Cough
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Extremely dry, itchy skin
• Frequent headaches
• Hives
• Fatigue

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergy.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis:

• Urticaria and angioedema
• Itching, tightness in the throat
• Hoarseness of voice
• Skin itching, hives, redness
• Vomiting, diarrhea, cramps in the abdomen
• Respiratory difficulty, cough, wheeze

Most common symptoms of asthma include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Respiratory distress

Only a few symptoms may be present. The severity of symptoms can change quickly.

Step 2: Attend any medical facility / Allergist’s Chamber.

Bring all past medical records. Tell your physician about the symptoms.

Step 3: Do Allergy test.

Your physician may advise you to do certain test to find out the cause.

Most common Allergy Asthma test includes the following:

• Skin test/Skin Prick Test (SPT)
• Blood test to detect allergen-specific IgE
• Pulmonary function test/spirometry
• Elimination diet
• Oral food challenge

Step 4: Follow medication as prescribed by your physician.

Your Allergist most probably prescribe any of the following medication

Medications include-

Antihistamines: the most common medicine used for allergy. These medicines are effective in mild to moderate allergic reactions.

Most common Antihistamines include but not limited to:

• Fexofenadine
• Cetirizine
• Levocetirizine
• Desloratadine

Metered dose inhaler (MDI)

MDI can be used with or without a spacer device. In infant and child a face mask is necessary along with spacer device. MDI should be used with spacer whenever it is possible.

Decongestants:

The decongestant can be used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. These medications can be used for a short period of time.

Decongestants include:

• Oxymetazoline
• Pseudoephedrine
• Phenylephrine

Eye drops:

These medicines can be used for a short period of time.

Corticosteroids:

• Steroid nasal sprays for a long term.
• Oral steroid for a short period of time.

Immunotherapy:

• Immunotherapy or allergy shots can change the natural history of allergic disease.
• It can cure allergy in a few patients.
• It requires long-term treatment.

For severe allergic reaction or in anaphylaxis:

Injection Adrenaline/ Epinephrine. This can be given by personal adrenaline autoinjector or in the hospital.

You can ask Allergy Asthma Expert by filling up the following form. This is for a further opinion from the expert. But please remember that a personal contact with any Allergy Asthma specialist is the best for any patient. Any internet advice is not the substitution of any medical condition. It may take time to respond to each and every query.