Allergists

[ej0820]

My subject may have sounded a bit stupid, asking what an allergist can do, but my cf doc has always thought I've had allergies. Once in the hospital they tested me for a few basic things (cats, mold, dust, pollen, etc) and the only thing that showed positive was dust. Ok, so I'm allergic to dust...now what? What can an allergist do for me that my cf doc can't? I get put on certain meds to calm my inflammation I get when I'm involved in particularly dusty situations (like my work) by my cf doc. Would seeing an allergist benefit me more, or would he/she do about the same thing?

Thanks for your input. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[ej0820]

My subject may have sounded a bit stupid, asking what an allergist can do, but my cf doc has always thought I've had allergies. Once in the hospital they tested me for a few basic things (cats, mold, dust, pollen, etc) and the only thing that showed positive was dust. Ok, so I'm allergic to dust...now what? What can an allergist do for me that my cf doc can't? I get put on certain meds to calm my inflammation I get when I'm involved in particularly dusty situations (like my work) by my cf doc. Would seeing an allergist benefit me more, or would he/she do about the same thing?

Thanks for your input. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[ej0820]

My subject may have sounded a bit stupid, asking what an allergist can do, but my cf doc has always thought I've had allergies. Once in the hospital they tested me for a few basic things (cats, mold, dust, pollen, etc) and the only thing that showed positive was dust. Ok, so I'm allergic to dust...now what? What can an allergist do for me that my cf doc can't? I get put on certain meds to calm my inflammation I get when I'm involved in particularly dusty situations (like my work) by my cf doc. Would seeing an allergist benefit me more, or would he/she do about the same thing?

Thanks for your input. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Sunnie]

I'm sort of in the same boat. My CF doctor just sent me to an allergist, due to some weird reactions I had been having. My CF doctor tested me for a bunch of stuff, but he couldn't find anything wrong. That is why he sent me to the allergist. Trying to see if we can get the reactions to stop and see if it will help get my asthma under control.

 

[Sunnie]

I'm sort of in the same boat. My CF doctor just sent me to an allergist, due to some weird reactions I had been having. My CF doctor tested me for a bunch of stuff, but he couldn't find anything wrong. That is why he sent me to the allergist. Trying to see if we can get the reactions to stop and see if it will help get my asthma under control.

 

[Sunnie]

I'm sort of in the same boat. My CF doctor just sent me to an allergist, due to some weird reactions I had been having. My CF doctor tested me for a bunch of stuff, but he couldn't find anything wrong. That is why he sent me to the allergist. Trying to see if we can get the reactions to stop and see if it will help get my asthma under control.

 

[NoExcuses]

Well, they can do better allergy tests than other physicians. Many docs do a basic IgE blood test that doesn't tell you much about your allergies. Allergists can do a full work up (skin test, for 12 hours over 2 days).

They can also explain to you that you're not allergic to dust, you're allergic to dust mites. And it's not just dust mites, it's their feces. And the allergist can explain to you that these dust mites live in your carpet, your matress, your pillows and you should buy dust mite covers. And you should wash your sheets every 7 days in hot water at bare minimum.

The allergist will explain to you the importance of a HEPA filter in your bedroom (where you spend much of your time) and the room where you do meds.

The allergist will explain that 70% of the allergic cascade is due to histamines and 30% of the cascade is from leukotrienes. An anti-histamine will do you some good, as well a leukotriene inhibator.

Finally, the allergist can discuss the role that allergy shots in your allergy treatment.

Allergies can play a huge role in your lung function and you would be amazed at what a positive effect treating allergies can have on your health.

 

[NoExcuses]

Well, they can do better allergy tests than other physicians. Many docs do a basic IgE blood test that doesn't tell you much about your allergies. Allergists can do a full work up (skin test, for 12 hours over 2 days).

They can also explain to you that you're not allergic to dust, you're allergic to dust mites. And it's not just dust mites, it's their feces. And the allergist can explain to you that these dust mites live in your carpet, your matress, your pillows and you should buy dust mite covers. And you should wash your sheets every 7 days in hot water at bare minimum.

The allergist will explain to you the importance of a HEPA filter in your bedroom (where you spend much of your time) and the room where you do meds.

The allergist will explain that 70% of the allergic cascade is due to histamines and 30% of the cascade is from leukotrienes. An anti-histamine will do you some good, as well a leukotriene inhibator.

Finally, the allergist can discuss the role that allergy shots in your allergy treatment.

Allergies can play a huge role in your lung function and you would be amazed at what a positive effect treating allergies can have on your health.

 

[NoExcuses]

Well, they can do better allergy tests than other physicians. Many docs do a basic IgE blood test that doesn't tell you much about your allergies. Allergists can do a full work up (skin test, for 12 hours over 2 days).

They can also explain to you that you're not allergic to dust, you're allergic to dust mites. And it's not just dust mites, it's their feces. And the allergist can explain to you that these dust mites live in your carpet, your matress, your pillows and you should buy dust mite covers. And you should wash your sheets every 7 days in hot water at bare minimum.

The allergist will explain to you the importance of a HEPA filter in your bedroom (where you spend much of your time) and the room where you do meds.

The allergist will explain that 70% of the allergic cascade is due to histamines and 30% of the cascade is from leukotrienes. An anti-histamine will do you some good, as well a leukotriene inhibator.

Finally, the allergist can discuss the role that allergy shots in your allergy treatment.

Allergies can play a huge role in your lung function and you would be amazed at what a positive effect treating allergies can have on your health.

 

[Pumuckl]

Hi there,

I am new to the forum but have had over a year of Immuno-therapy in the past.

My CF (Pulmonary) Doctor did test me for allergies and came up with nothing. After a prolonged illness that had me in and out of the hospital every few weeks I asked if there was any possibility that I may be allergic to Mold after which discussion I was sent to an Allergy and Immunology specialist.

My allergist did the skin patch test and concluded that I was allergic to cows, cockroaches, a few types of mold etc. We then began Allergy shots which after a few weeks did begin alleviating my symptoms. Aside from the shots my doctor had me on singulair, zyrtec and nasacort.

Even if you do not decide to go through with treatment it is nice to have an idea of what exactly you are allergic to and at the very least give you an idea of what to avoid.

 

[Pumuckl]

Hi there,

I am new to the forum but have had over a year of Immuno-therapy in the past.

My CF (Pulmonary) Doctor did test me for allergies and came up with nothing. After a prolonged illness that had me in and out of the hospital every few weeks I asked if there was any possibility that I may be allergic to Mold after which discussion I was sent to an Allergy and Immunology specialist.

My allergist did the skin patch test and concluded that I was allergic to cows, cockroaches, a few types of mold etc. We then began Allergy shots which after a few weeks did begin alleviating my symptoms. Aside from the shots my doctor had me on singulair, zyrtec and nasacort.

Even if you do not decide to go through with treatment it is nice to have an idea of what exactly you are allergic to and at the very least give you an idea of what to avoid.

 

[Pumuckl]

Hi there,

I am new to the forum but have had over a year of Immuno-therapy in the past.

My CF (Pulmonary) Doctor did test me for allergies and came up with nothing. After a prolonged illness that had me in and out of the hospital every few weeks I asked if there was any possibility that I may be allergic to Mold after which discussion I was sent to an Allergy and Immunology specialist.

My allergist did the skin patch test and concluded that I was allergic to cows, cockroaches, a few types of mold etc. We then began Allergy shots which after a few weeks did begin alleviating my symptoms. Aside from the shots my doctor had me on singulair, zyrtec and nasacort.

Even if you do not decide to go through with treatment it is nice to have an idea of what exactly you are allergic to and at the very least give you an idea of what to avoid.

 

[Scarlett81]

If your doc is saying to do it, I'd do it. If you have tested for any allergy before, maybe you have more you don't know about. I'd go and see what they have to say, worst case scenario-you say no thankyou and and don't go back. Best case-they do help you and your cf is improved b/c of it.
I think more people w cf should see an allergist. I plan on it right after this baby is born.

 

[Scarlett81]

If your doc is saying to do it, I'd do it. If you have tested for any allergy before, maybe you have more you don't know about. I'd go and see what they have to say, worst case scenario-you say no thankyou and and don't go back. Best case-they do help you and your cf is improved b/c of it.
I think more people w cf should see an allergist. I plan on it right after this baby is born.

 

[Scarlett81]

If your doc is saying to do it, I'd do it. If you have tested for any allergy before, maybe you have more you don't know about. I'd go and see what they have to say, worst case scenario-you say no thankyou and and don't go back. Best case-they do help you and your cf is improved b/c of it.
I think more people w cf should see an allergist. I plan on it right after this baby is born.