Allergist in Philadelphia, PA

What is an Allergist?

An immunologist or allergist is a specialist who treats health complications stemming from issues with the immune system. Immunologists diagnose, treat, and work to prevent immune system disorders. If you are experiencing any seasonal allergies or asthma attacks, then setting up an appointment with an allergist at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy in Philadelphia could help you live your life in greater comfort and safety. Our Philadelphia ENT specialists provide comprehensive care for patients with allergy-related conditions.

As a routine requirement, our patients must consult with an allergy doctor at one of our offices prior to testing to create a personalized testing and treatment arrangement. Our immunologists are certified allergy specialists and offer a range of treatment options. 

What is Immunology?

Immunology is a branch of medical science that covers the study of immune systems in all organisms. Immunologists analyze the body’s resistance to invasion by other organisms or disease-causing microorganisms. It is from the field of immunology that we derive allergy doctors to help patients with allergies enhance their defenses and reduce symptoms.

Allergy Treatment and Management

Once you have been diagnosed with an allergy, our allergy doctors may recommend managing your symptoms by avoiding common allergens, taking medications if allergen avoidance is impossible, or immunotherapy as a long-term solution for reducing your allergic reactions. 

Allergy treatments may not alleviate an allergy fully. However, there are other ways to minimize the severity and recurrence of allergic reactions as well as managing the frustrating and uncomfortable symptoms of allergies.

The most common allergy treatments that go beyond simple management are consistent immunotherapy or allergy shots given to minimize sensitivity to certain allergens or drops/tablets ingested orally to help reduce sensitivity to allergens and minimize the symptoms of a particular allergic reaction.

Our allergists and immunologists at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy endeavor to bring our patients relief from stubborn allergies by providing them with efficient and reliable allergy testing and treatment.

Immunotherapy

For allergies, immunologists often recommend a series of allergy shots. Once the patient has had testing, the injections are specially tailored for the best possible effect and will provide much greater improvement than medications alone.

Patients find that any discomfort from the shots is well worth the increased and longer-lasting allergy relief they get. Allergy shots also help prevent long-term complications such as asthma, sinus inflammation, and hearing loss, which are caused by ongoing irritation from the allergies. Read our blog to learn more about how allergy shots work.

Allergy Testing

To determine the diagnosis and ideal treatment, our allergy doctors may recommend one or more of the following tests:

Prick testing

This test involves placing a tiny drop of each allergen substance on the patient’s skin and slightly scratching or puncturing the area to drive the allergens below the skin. If the patient is allergic to a particular substance, the skin will display a clear reaction.

Blood testing

This approach is usually more accurate than prick testing. It is the preferred test for patients with skin conditions who may not be able to undergo skin testing.

Patch testing

This method is best used to single out the origin of certain persistent rashes on the skin. Patches are fastened with tape on a predefined spot on the skin and the patient is placed under strict observation for a few days. Depending on the results obtained from the patched areas, an accurate diagnosis and treatment can be determined.

Pulmonary function testing

As the name suggests, this testing method evaluates the lungs and their ability to drive out air. The aim is to identify the presence of any allergy-induced asthma that may be causing an obstruction in the lungs.

What Causes These Allergies?

Allergy types

Different allergy types cause different symptoms. It’s important to know which allergens are affecting you so you can start to consider your management options. 

Food allergies

Food allergies cause a reaction every time a particular type of food is ingested (or in extreme cases, simply present in the environment). The allergic reaction may manifest in the form of dizziness, breathing complications, or abdominal discomfort. In some cases, the allergic reaction may concentrate on a specific location such as the mouth and manifest signs like itching in the mouth and throat or even swelling.

Drug allergies

This happens when the body mistakes certain drugs, especially antibiotics, for a harmful virus or bacteria. Drug allergies may occur the first time a drug is introduced, or develop over time. 

Latex allergy

Handling or coming into contact with products containing latex, such as balloons, condoms, or rubber bands triggers this kind of allergy.

Venom allergies

Stinging insects like wasps and bees may trigger skin reactions on their victims, causing them to swell or develop a skin rash. Some people even experience anaphylaxis.