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

When to Contact an Allergist vs ENT

when to see jacksonville allergy specialist or ent

It’s common for people with allergy symptoms to go directly to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor for treatment. ENT doctors are surgeons who are experts in resolving structural problems involving the head, face, sinuses, nose, throat and voice box. Allergist/immunologists are expert physicians who manage inflammatory (allergic) conditions of the nose, sinuses, ears, throat and lungs without surgery. Symptoms such as trouble breathing, sinus pressure, episodic ear discomfort, or a raspy voice can be caused by allergies and may not require surgery.

If you’re wondering whether your symptoms require visiting an Allergist or ENT doctor, continue reading to help decide the right course of action for you.

When to See an Allergist

Allergists/Immunologists are highly trained specialists that diagnose, treat, and manage allergic inflammation of all types through nonsurgical methods.

Allergies are caused when the immune system decides that an otherwise harmless substance is now a threat (i.e. pollens, mold, dust mite, pet dander and foods). Symptoms can be mild or severe, and in some cases, can lead to a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis when triggered by foods, stinging insects or medications. Allergic reactions to environmental substances are very common and usually cause recurrent nasal congestion, uncomfortable facial pressure, nasal drainage, throat clearing, and/or sneezing. Many people with environmental allergies frequently complain of having chronic “sinus headaches” or sinus pain.

There is no doubt that allergies can have a major impact on the quality of life for people of all ages. Unfortunately, many people struggling with allergic nasal or sinus problems do not realize their symptoms are due to allergies and believe that their condition is untreatable. Fortunately, these symptoms can usually be effectively managed or even prevented with an Allergist’s help.

Allergists can help prevent allergic symptoms by turning off the allergic process. Since allergen avoidance is the only true “cure” for allergies, it is important for Allergists to know if a person has allergic triggers so that they may be avoided. Allergy testing can detect relevant allergies and allows the Allergist to determine the most effective therapies to improve the person’s quality of life. Such therapies include focused allergen avoidance measures, appropriate medication use and, in some cases, allergen immunotherapy. Allergen immunotherapy is a very important tool and is the ultimate allergy treatment, which retrains the immune system to stop reacting to allergens– thereby preventing allergic symptoms in the first place and decreasing the need for medications.

Of course, allergies can affect other parts of the body including the skin, eyes, lungs, gastrointestinal system, inner ears, and sinuses. Allergists are the experts who treat all allergic symptoms, no matter which part of the body is affected, Before heading straight to an ENT for chronic sinus pressure, it may be best to consult with an Allergist particularly you have a family history of allergies or asthma.

Common reasons to see an Allergist/ Immunologist include:

Frequent sinus infections
Sinus or facial pressure
Ear fullness, pressure, or popping in the ears
Itching in the ears or back of the throat
Nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, runny nose, sneezing
Itchy, red, or watery eyes
Recurrent throat clearing or post nasal drainage
Voice changes or hoarseness
Chronic cough
Asthma, shortness of breath, wheezing
Recurring bronchitis
Atopic dermatitis
Immunodeficiency
Concern for food allergies

When to See an ENT

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology– Head and Neck Surgery, otolaryngologists (ENTs) specialize in dealing with disorders and conditions of the ear, nose, and throat, including related areas of the neck and head. ENT doctors are experts in surgical and medical management of:

Ear: ENT specialists treat ear disorders or conditions such as ear infections, hearing loss, balance disorders (vertigo), pain in your ear, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). ENT doctors can also treat ear disorders you were born with.
Head and Neck: If you experience cancerous tumors, deformities, trauma, or diseases of the neck, face, and head, ENT doctors can do cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in these areas. Problems with nerves in the head and neck controlling smell, sight, hearing, and facial movements can also be managed.
Nose: ENT doctors often manage and treat issues affecting the nose, sinuses, and nasal cavity. These issues may affect your breathing, smell, or physical appearance.
Throat: An ENT doctor can help manage and treat conditions or disorders of the throat can affect your eating, swallowing, digestion, speech, and even singing.

Common reasons to see an ENT specialist include:

Cancer and tumors in the head and neck
Nerve problems, pain, or injury to your ears, nose, or throat
Breathing problems originating in nose or throat
Tonsil or adenoid infection
Dizziness and balance issues
Tinnitus
Chronic sinusitis
Ear infections
Hearing impairment
Swallowing or voice problems
Cleft palate
Deviated septum
And more

Putting it all together

Allergists/immunologists and ENT’s often work together to maximize control of nasal/sinus congestion and it’s entirely possible you may require evaluation from both specialists. Allergists will often refer patients to ENT’s when surgery is needed and ENT’s often refer patients to allergists when a formal allergy assessment is required.

Allergies are not the only cause of nasal symptoms. So if you have a known structural problem or suspect one, then an ENT specialist would be a good first choice. But if you suspect that you have a sinus or breathing issues related to allergies or asthma, consider seeing a Board Certified Allergist/Immunologist who can help diagnose, treat, and effectively control your symptoms through non-surgical methods.

More Questions People Also Ask — Allergist or ENT for Sinusitis Treatments:

Chronic sinusitis and allergies. What kind of doctor do you see for allergy testing?

Board-certified Allergists are highly trained physicians who specialize in the diagnoses and nonsurgical treatment of chronic sinus issues and allergies. They also specialize in the management of asthma since most asthmatics have allergic triggers that affect their breathing. Allergists focus on the underlying cause of the symptoms (such as the facial pressure, watery eyes, nasal congestion, etc) to lessen the need for medications and surgery. In doing so, Allergists are like medical detectives who take a comprehensive and integrated approach to treatment. Through the appropriate use of allergy testing, Allergists can help patients to understand their triggers and teach patients the environmental strategies needed to avoid their triggers. Allergists use allergy test results to decide which medications would be the most effective. Allergists can also guide patients through allergen immunotherapy to help relieve persistent nasal and sinus symptoms when medications are not helpful or when patients wish to minimize the need for medications.

Can an Allergist help with sinusitis?

Absolutely. Board-certified Allergists are physicians who have received substantial training in the nonsurgical treatment of chronic sinus issues. Sinusitis, is due to an inflammation in the tissue of the sinuses that can be caused by allergies or microbes, and sometimes both. When sinuses become obstructed, germs fester and can cause an infection, congestion, and facial pressure. Your allergist can help diagnose the root causes of your symptoms and provide a regimen of non-surgical treatments to prevent recurring sinus infections or allergic reactions.

Can all sinus issues be treated with non-surgical methods?

No. Some patients have a structural problem within their nose or sinuses that cannot be adequately treated with medications or allergen avoidance measures. In these cases, Allergists will refer the patient to their surgical colleagues, ENTs (Ear, Nose, Throat), who treat a variety of anatomical ailments affecting the head and neck.

How do I know if I need to see the Allergist or ENT?

ENTs are highly proficient surgeons who specialize in structural disorders of the ears, nose, and throat such as head and neck tumors, facial reconstruction and plastic surgery, chronic sinusitis, deviated septum, hearing impairment, and dizziness/balance problems. Board-certified Allergists optimize control of nasal and sinus problems though nonsurgical means. ENTs and Allergists commonly work together to treat conditions where allergies are causing problems in the ears, nose, sinuses and throat regions. ENTs often refer patients to Allergists when surgery is not indicated. Likewise, Allergists will refer patients to ENTs for surgical options when medications and allergen avoidance are not adequately controlling symptoms.

What kind of tests does an ENT do?

ENTs employ a wide variety of tests in helping them determine the causes of a patient’s ear, nose, and throat discomfort. Visual, tactile examination and endoscopy all provide a baseline from which additional tests like laboratory analysis and imaging can confirm. Appropriate treatment is then provided for the given diagnosis.

What will ENT do for a sinus infection?

Sinusitis has varying degrees of severity. For a mild sinus infection, an ENT may advise using conservative care including a decongestant and/or nasal spray. More serious infections may require the use of antibiotics, nasal irrigations, steroids and even surgery. Chronic sinusitis symptoms can be alleviated by avoiding triggers which may include allergens or fungi.

What can an ENT do for chronic sinusitis?

When symptoms of sinusitis prolong past the 12-week mark despite receiving treatment, the condition moves from acute to chronic. Chronic sinusitis is best treated utilizing a holistic approach – targeting both the trigger of the condition as well as effectively treating any ensuing infection. ENT’s can correct anatomical or structural problems that are contributory to chronic sinus infections. When the symptoms are tied to an allergy, a Board-certified Allergist can help guide treatment options and lessen the long term need for medications through allergen immunotherapy.

What can I do if I am prone to sinus infections?

Ways to help mitigate the symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

Consult with a Board-certified allergist to help determine if allergies are a cause for your symptoms.
Application of a warm towel to the head, neck, and face to ease pain and pressure.
Use of saline spray to keep nasal passages clean and decongested.
Use of OTC decongestants, although these are not recommended as part of a long-term treatment plan.
Use of a vaporizer or humidifier, especially during the dry winter months. Just be sure to clean the unit routinely, as unclean it poses more risks than benefits.
Get a better understanding and management plan for allergies, which can be a trigger.
Try to avoid smoke like cigarettes or even cars, which can inflame the nasal passages.

How do you know if it is a sinus infection or allergies?

Even if you know you have a sinus infection, an allergy test can help determine if allergies are contributing to the symptoms, which helps you make smart choices about changes in your environment that can decrease the odds of repeat infections. A Board-certified Allergist can clarify if allergies are contributing to your symptoms or if nonallergic factors are causing your problem.

Are you wondering if you may be suffering from allergies?

Call the experts at the Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida to schedule an appointment today.

Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and American Academy of Otolaryngology– Head and Neck Surgery

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