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

Spring Break Travel Tips for Kids with Allergies

Across the country, families are counting down to spring break to enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation while the kids are out of school. Yet, springtime can also be the worst time of the year for allergies.

Before you head out on your spring break adventures, keep these travel tips in mind so both you and your kids can enjoy a fun and relaxing spring break.

Choose a Proper Destination

Your vacation destination can be key. Certain locations may make your or your child’s allergies even worse. Locations with lush vegetation and pollen-producing plants are more likely to keep you sniffling and sneezing all week long. Popular allergy friendly locations include the desert, beaches, snowy locations, and cruises.

Schedule an Appointment with an Allergist Before You Go

Allergies can come at any age. An allergist can tell you exactly what allergens you or your child is allergic to through allergy testing. These tests are typically conducted as skin tests or blood tests. Skin tests are most common and involve testing an area on the back or forearm. If your child allergic to an allergen, they may briefly experience a small hive at the test spot.

Blood tests are also helpful and may be used as a confirmatory test or when certain medical conditions prevent allergy skin testing. Once you receive a diagnosis, your allergist can recommend the most optimal treatment plan to reduce symptoms.

Start Allergy Medications Before Symptoms Start

The key to making it through allergy season unscathed is by starting allergy medications before the symptoms start. Medications can be useful after symptoms are present, but it takes longer to feel relief. Speak with your allergist to get your kids started on allergy medications before spring break starts.

Keep Windows and Doors Shut

If you’re headed to a location with higher levels of pollen and other outdoor allergens, reduce exposure by keeping the windows and doors shut in the home and in your car. Use air conditioning for fresh, filtered air and make sure the air filters are clean and working properly.

Avoid Peak Times of Day

Download an allergy app or check the pollen count in the area you’re traveling to each day. Some days may be worse than others and you may need to keep the kids inside during peak hours. Pollen counts peak in the afternoon and is lowest in the morning and late afternoon or evening.

Travel Prepared for Anaphylaxis

While most allergies aren’t severe, there’s the potential for a life-threatening reaction to foods or certain stinging insects. Go on vacation prepared by carrying an epinephrine pen if there is a history of severe allergies to foods or insects (such as bees, wasps, hornets or fire ants). Always have the epinephrine pen available in the event your you or your child is exposed to a serious allergen and experiences anaphylaxis.

Get your family ready for a fun and relaxing spring break by thinking about allergy prevention before you go. If you think you or your child needs allergy testing, contact the Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida for testing and treatment options.

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