Most patients realize that if they’re suffering from asthma or seasonal allergies, they’ll likely need the help of an Allergy Doctor in Evansville IN to get an official diagnosis and establish a treatment plan. However, these two common conditions are far from the only ones that allergists can treat. Read on to find out about a few lesser-known reasons to head to an allergist for testing and diagnosis below.
Food Allergies
Allergists can test their patients for food allergies and help them determine which of them are true allergies and which are better classified as food intolerances. While food allergies typically cause immediate and often quite dire symptoms such as swelling, rashes, hives, and trouble breathing, intolerances often take longer to set in and cause milder symptoms. Food intolerances can be unpleasant, but they’re rarely life-threatening; allergies, on the other hand, can cause anaphylaxis and should always be taken seriously.
Help With OTC Medications
Many allergy sufferers use over the counter medications to treat their seasonal allergies. Unfortunately, not every OTC medication works for every patient. Allergists can suggest alternatives that might work better and instruct their patients in the proper use of these medications, making it easier for them to treat their allergies at home.
Antibiotic Allergies
Although penicillin is the most common antibiotic to cause an allergic reaction, patients may respond poorly to just about any medication. These allergic responses can be quite serious. An Allergy Doctor in Evansville IN can perform a simple skin test to determine what medications his or her patients are allergic to so that they can find antibiotics that work for them instead of making them sicker.
Indoor Allergies
Seasonal allergies are typically caused by allergen sources outside the home, but indoor allergens can also cause patients to get sick. Testing for indoor allergens can help patients determine what steps they must take to reduce dust mite droppings, animal dander, mold, and other allergens, such as using special cleaning products or purchasing allergic mattress covers, helping them to avoid allergic reactions. Get more information about different types of allergies and the dedicated specialists who diagnose and treat them online today to get started.