An allergist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating allergic conditions, such as hay fever, skin allergies, and food allergies. An allergy is when your immune system mistakenly interprets a substance as a foreign invader (such as a virus), and most people who have allergies are allergic to similar things.
While allergies are not usually life-threatening, they can make your life miserable. Allergic reactions are also not guaranteed to remain mild – they could worsen with time.
By visiting an allergist, you could get your allergy symptoms under control. After all, many symptoms of allergies are similar to those of the common cold and other health issues, so a general practitioner could think that your allergy is just a cold and not treat it appropriately.
Let’s talk about the advantages of visiting an allergist, and where you can go in Georgetown for top-notch allergy treatment to finally get a handle on your allergies.
#1: You Will Get a Specific Clinical Diagnosis of Your Allergy
Doctors who specialize in treating allergies have completed medical school and have undergone focused medical residency, which gives them the breadth of knowledge and experience needed to accurately diagnose and effectively treat allergies. Allergy doctors implement tests to find out what you are allergic to, and then they can develop recommendations for treatment that are specially designed for your allergy and your body.
#2: You Will Be Given Treatment Options
Whereas a family doctor knows the basics of treating common allergies, an allergist can thoroughly explain all of your treatment options as appropriate. Antihistamines can be purchased over-the-counter at your pharmacy, and many people with allergies resort to this as their sole treatment – but an allergist can provide you with long-acting medications. An allergist will also recommend simple lifestyle modifications that can help you to minimize your exposure to the allergen.
#3: You Will Learn More About Your Allergy
Patient education is an important part of allergy treatment. An allergy doctor can answer all questions you have about your allergies, including how to keep them under control and how best to avoid your triggers – and what exactly those triggers are.
#4 You May Receive Medication to Treat a Severe Allergic Reaction
A severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. This reaction includes difficulty breathing, nausea, and shock.
If you have severe allergic reactions, or if your allergy has that potential (such as a peanut allergy), an allergist will design an action plan. You will learn how to identify early signs of an oncoming allergic reaction and how to administer an epinephrine (EpiPen) shot to prevent a severe reaction.
Allergy Doctor in Georgetown, TX
Treating allergies requires a comprehensive approach. Dr. Scott Franklin at Georgetown ENT is highly skilled and experienced in treating allergies in adult and pediatric patients. Our medical team will help make your life easier with our personalized, innovative treatments for allergies.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Franklin, call Georgetown ENT today at (512) 869-0604 or use our convenient appointment request form online. We look forward to helping you get your allergies under control!
