Should allergies and their symptoms be assessed by an allergist or ENT in the Elgin area?
When allergies flare up, the areas that frequently become irritated are the ears, nose, throat, and eyes. For this reason, a person with allergies may schedule a visit with an ear, nose, and throat doctor for the diagnosis and treatment of symptoms such as difficulty breathing, raspy voice, or sore throat. ENT doctors do, in fact, have the ability to examine these areas, but their training has focused on finding and correcting structural problems, not on testing for allergies. More than 50 percent of the time, breathing problems and sore throats are actually an allergy problem.
Allergist or ENT – what is the difference?
A doctor is a doctor, right? Not necessarily. Allergies are common, but that does not mean that every type of physician has the full extent of training to offer the care needed to minimize severity of symptoms.
Ear, nose, and throat doctors have received a small amount of training in the area of allergies. The bulk of their education, however, lies in structural anomalies and surgical procedures. An allergist is a specialist who has completed years of additional training focused solely on allergic conditions and the treatment of them. This training translates into the most thorough evaluation and diagnosis of symptoms, and the use of the latest treatments to resolve them. An allergist provides you with:
- A thorough medical history
- Skin testing and the interpretation of results
- Treatment options including lifestyle modifications, medications, and immunotherapy
Because half of all sinus problems stem from some type of allergic response, it is beneficial to seek the care of a qualified allergist. If, during our evaluation of your symptoms, we notice a structural problem that may be the cause of, or may be exacerbating your symptoms, we will discuss the value of an ENT consultation.
The medical team at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates has completed the training and certification process for the treatment of allergies and their symptoms. We use this knowledge and our clinical experience to help our patients gain control over their health. Call (847) 888-8802 to schedule a visit to our Elgin or Crystal Lake office.
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