Frequently Asked Questions About Allergy & Immunology

An allergist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing immune system problems, including food and seasonal allergies, asthma, and chronic sinus issues. They complete medical school, a residency in internal medicine or pediatrics, and an extra fellowship to study the immune system.

Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, skin rashes or hives, coughing or wheezing, and stomach upset.

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Postnasal drip
• Cough or dry throat
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Itchy eyes
• Red or watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Itching in the nose or roof of the mouth
• Itchy skin
• Raised, red rashes or hives
• Dry, cracked, or peeling skin
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition, often triggered by allergies, irritants, weather, physical activity, or infections. It makes it hard to breathe and causes recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Allergists use several diagnostic tests including skin tests, blood tests, patch tests, lung function tests and challenge tests to identify triggers and confirm allergic conditions and/or asthma.

• Skin Prick Test (Scratch Test) – Drops of allergen extracts are placed on the skin, which is then gently pricked or scratched. If a raised, itchy bump appears within 15 minutes, it indicates sensitivity.
• Intradermal Test – A small amount of allergen is injected just under the skin surface. This test may be used if skin prick results are negative or inconclusive, but a specific allergen is still suspected.

• Patch Test – Adhesive patches containing common contact allergens are applied to the back for 48 hours to diagnose contact dermatitis or delayed allergic skin reactions.
• Blood Test – Measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in the bloodstream. Often used if a patient has a severe skin condition or cannot safely stop medications that interfere with skin testing.
• Challenge Tests – Under direct medical supervision, the patient swallows tiny and increasing amounts of a suspected food or medication to confirm or rule out an allergy.
• Lung Function Tests – Used to diagnose and monitor asthma, these tests measure how well air moves through the airways and may include spirometry, peak flow tracking, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) tests and airway challenge tests.

If you experience severe reactions, like wheezing, shortness of breath or swelling, it’s important to see an allergist as soon as possible for an evaluation.

Other reasons to see an allergist include allergy or asthma symptoms that disrupt your daily activities and sleep, symptoms that last for several months and do not improve with over-the-counter medications, or an interest in definitive testing and advanced treatment options to address the root cause and provide long-term solutions.

• Severe or sudden reactions
• Uncontrolled breathing issues
• Persistent year-round or seasonal suffering
• Ineffective over-the-counter relief
• Frequent sinus or respiratory infections
• Interest in advanced treatment, such as allergy shots

Asthma treatment plans are customized based on how often symptoms occur. Quick-relief rescue inhalers may be prescribed to stop sudden symptoms within minutes, while daily long-term controller medications are typically used to prevent swelling and keep airways open over time. For severe allergic or eosinophilic asthma, an allergist may recommend biologic injection therapies.