What is a Board-Certified Allergist?

Board certified allergists are specialists who have met the highest level of nationally-recognized standards for education and expertise in the field of allergy, asthma and immunology. This formal and lengthy education process is necessary to cultivate the expertise required to provide the highest-quality of care for patients with allergies and asthma. By achieving board certification, allergists demonstrate their commitment to excellence and expertise in their field, which translates to state-of-the-art, evidence-based care.

What are the Benefits of Seeing a Board Certified Allergist?

Board certification tells you that your doctor has attained the highest level of expertise to treat your health issues.

How do you find a Board-Certified Allergist?

When you start searching for an allergist/immunologist, it’s important to make sure you find a doctor you are comfortable with and you can trust. Search online for information about the doctors you are considering and ask people you trust for names of physicians they recommend. Then visit Certification Matters and enter your doctor’s name to determine if he or she is board-certified. This is a service that allows you to see if a specific doctor is certified.

Can you detect allergies through a blood test?

Yes. When you become allergic to an allergen, your body creates special antibodies to fight against it. These allergic antibodies are called IgE antibodies. IgE antibodies are formed in the bone marrow and travel in the bloodstream before being deposited in the skin and other tissues where they remain for weeks to months. Although allergy skin tests are considered the gold standard for allergy testing, blood testing can also be used to measure IgE antibodies circulating in your bloodstream

What types of tests are there for allergies?

There are three main ways to get tested for allergies: Skin Tests – Skin tests are commonly used to identify many potential allergens, including airborne, food-related, and contact allergens. Blood Tests – If you are not a candidate for an allergy skin test, your allergist may suggest a blood test. Elimination Diet – To detect which foods are causing an allergic reaction, your allergist may recommend an elimination diet. This involves removing certain foods from your diet and determining if you're symptoms improve, and then adding the food back to see if you have a reaction.

Do allergy tests hurt?

The skin prick or scratch test and intradermal test may cause slight discomfort. If you are sensitive to any of the allergens being tested, your skin may itch where the allergen was placed.

How can you treat non-life threatening allergic reactions at home?

The first step is to avoid the allergen if you know what triggers a reaction. But if an allergic reaction occurs, there are several ways to treat them at home: Antihistamines – Helps treat minor allergic reactions regardless of the cause. Anti-inflammatory Medication – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) can help temporarily reduce allergy symptoms. Saline Sinus Rinse – If your allergies cause sinus problems, it’s recommended to rinse your sinuses with saline to clear the allergens from your airways. Skin Allergy Treatments – If a skin allergy occurs, you can apply corticosteroid creams or calamine lotion to reduce symptoms, an ice pack can also help reduce inflammation and allergy symptoms.

How long does an allergy test take to administer?

Not very long. The skin prick and intradermal tests are performed in the allergist’s office and take about 20 minutes total. Your skin may start to show reactions to certain allergens such as foods, environmental allergens or insect venoms. Patch tests are used to identify if a chemical may be the cause of delayed skin rashes. The patches are applied and worn for about 48 hours and then removed. Blood tests results may take up to a week to return from the laboratory.

Are hay fever and allergic rhinitis the same thing?

Yes, allergic rhinitis is simply the proper medical term for hay fever. “Hay fever” is somewhat of a misnomer since allergic rhinitis is usually not caused by hay, nor does it result in a fever.

When is hay fever the worst in Jacksonville?

The mild temperatures in Northeast Florida mean that trees start producing spring pollen early in our area– in some years as soon as December. Unfortunately, the Jacksonville area does not really have a hay fever “off-season.” Our warm winters and early springs mean that allergic rhinitis sufferers may be exposed to pollen year-round.

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Jax Allergy

7 Things You Can Do to Feel Better During Spring Allergy Season

jacksonville allergy specialists tips to handle pollen allergy

Sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. The true signs that spring allergy season is here.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAI), pollen season can begin as early as February and lasts through October–depending on weather patterns and your location. In Jacksonville however, we can count on a very long pollen season that begins in early January and ends in November!

If pollen allergies get you down, use these tips to feel better this spring allergy season.

1. Drink Lots of Water

Water is central to a healthy life. Proper hydration helps fight off excess congestion from spring allergies by thinning out mucus in your nasal passages. Drinking plenty of water also prevents allergy-related sinus headaches.

2. Avoid Being Outside During Peak Allergy Hours

Each spring, trees release millions of tiny pollen particles into the air. Simply breathing the air can cause allergic reactions. When pollen counts are high, avoid being outside as much as possible. Especially in the morning between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., on windy days, and dry, hot days.

Protect your eyes with sunglasses and wear a mouth mask when doing yard work. Avoid bringing pollen inside your home by showering, washing your hair, and changing your clothes.

3. Track Allergy Levels on Your Phone

Use your favorite weather or allergy apps during allergy season to view daily pollen and mold count reports. Check before you head out for the day so you know what to expect.

4. Take Allergy Medications

Avoiding the outdoors in the spring isn’t always realistic. Your allergist may recommend antihistamines and decongestants which can help relieve symptoms in adults and children.

Nasal sprays can help severe allergies but don’t take effect right away. Relief could take up to a few days. If other medications don’t offer relief, your allergist may suggest allergen immunotherapy, also known as “allergy shots.” These shots contain traces of pollen and help your body build up a defense over time.

5. Prevent Symptoms Before They Start

Prevention is key. Don’t wait for your allergies to spiral out of control. See your allergist for a treatment plan before spring allergy season begins and take allergy medications at the first sign of symptoms. Start your allergy medication routine one week before allergy season to get the medicine working in your system.

6. Go All-Natural

Natural remedies may help offer relief. Of course, the best way to manage allergies without medications is being vigilant about avoiding known triggers. If you’re feeling stuffed up, nasal saline irrigation with a neti pot may help by washing away the pollens, dusts and animal dander from the lining of your nose. Saline irrigation also helps to thin nasal drainage so it can be blown out and it also gently moisturizes the lining of the nose. Products labeled “natural” or “alternative” may not be safe for all users. Some remedies can cause further allergic reactions. Consult with your allergist on which natural remedies may be right for you.

7. Allergy Prevention Starts at Home

Keep allergens out of your home by prepping your home for spring allergy season.

Enforce a “shoes off” rule when entering your home.
Keep windows shut and cool your home with filtered air from your air conditioner. Avoid using ceiling fans which can spread pollen around a room.
Vacuum with a HEPA filter vacuum to suck up particles on your furniture, floors, rugs, and in the air.
Avoid hanging your clothes outside to dry as pollen can get stuck to sheets, towels, and clothing.

Don’t let allergies get the best of you this spring. Visit us at the Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida for allergy testing and a personalized treatment plan. Start your spring allergy medications now for long-term relief.

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