What Does An Allergist Do?
An allergist, also sometimes called an immunologist, is a skilled specialist trained to diagnose, treat, and manage allergic reactions in adults and children without the use of surgery. Common reasons to seek the help of an allergist include:
- Regular sinus infections or sinus pressure
- Asthma or other difficulty breathing
- Immunodeficiency
- Eczema
- Fullness or popping in the ears
- Ear or throat itching
- Recurring nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through nose
- Red, itchy, or watery eyes
- Frequent Bronchitis
- Food allergy concerns
- Voice hoarseness
Professional NJ Allergist Serving Adults and Children
Allergies are among the most common chronic conditions worldwide. Allergy symptoms range from mild discomfort, to making you miserable, to putting you at risk for life-threatening reactions. Fortunately, a professional allergist can help you. At Northern Valley Allergy, Asthma & Sinus, we provide professional allergy treatment services for patients of all ages. With convenient offices in Cresskill and North Bergen, we are proud to serve clients in Bergen and Hudson County, NJ, as well as Rockland County, NY.
Here is some helpful information about allergic reactions and the services we offer. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What Causes Allergic Reactions?
According to the leading experts in allergy, an allergic reaction begins in the immune system. Our immune system protects us from invading organisms that can cause illness. If you have an allergy, your immune system mistakes an otherwise harmless substance as an invader. This substance is called an allergen. The immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release histamine and other chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.
Understanding Common Allergens
A number of different allergens are responsible for allergic reactions. The most common include:
- Seasonal / Outdoor
- Grass & Tree Pollen
- Ragweed Pollen
- Insect Stings
- Indoor / Non Seasonal
- Mold
- Dust
- Medications
- Animal / Pet Dander
- Latex
- Food
- Household Products
Seasonal Allergies in New Jersey
Different allergens can be a problem at different times of the year. For example, indoor allergies such as dust, pet dander, and mold can sometimes be more of an issue in the winter, whereas allergic reactions to grass and tree pollen or ragweed tend to start in the spring and continue through summer.
While seasonal allergies vary from person to person, and indoor allergies can happen year-round, yearly allergy triggers in nature include:
- Spring: Trees and grass release pollen
- Summer: Grasses release pollen again
- Fall: Weeds, including ragweed, release pollen
Allergy Symptoms
An allergic reaction typically triggers symptoms in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, lining of the stomach or on the skin. For some people, allergies can also trigger symptoms of asthma. In the most serious cases, a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) can occur.
Allergic reactions can vary in severity and cause symptoms including but not limited to:
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Shortness of breath
- Runny Nose
- Eye discomfort (dark circles, itching or watering)
Visiting An NJ Allergist For A Diagnosis
If you or your child have allergy symptoms, an allergist can help with a diagnosis. An allergist has advanced training and experience to properly diagnose your condition and prescribe an allergy treatment and management plan to help you feel better and live better.
Our diagnostic procedures include, but are not limited to:
- Allergy Skin Testing
- Fiber Optic Rhinolaryngoscopy
- Patch Testing For Contact Dermatitis
- Skin Biopsies
- Spirometry Lung Function Testing
- Oral Food Challenge
- Drug Testing & Challenge
Allergy Treatment & Management
We provide a wide range of allergy treatments and management options for conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Hives And Swelling (Urticaria)
- Sinus Disease
- Nasal & Eye Allergies
- Food Allergy
- Immune Deficiency Evaluation
- Stinging Insect Allergy
- Drug Allergy
- Anaphylaxis
- Pet Allergies
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis
- Nasal Polyposis
Allergy Immunotherapy (or Allergy Shots)
We offer allergy immunotherapy for our patients suffering from certain allergy conditions. These allergy shots work similar to a vaccine – desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens that trigger symptoms and developing a tolerance over time. When speaking to an allergist at Northern Valley, we can discuss whether allergy immunotherapy is right for you or your child.
New Jersey Pediatric Allergist
Allergic reactions are very common in children, whose immune systems are still developing. Children are regularly exposed to different allergens in their environment, as well as the food they eat. Allergic issues such as eczema, asthma, and insect stings can also be more serious for children.
The best thing a parent can do for a child suffering from allergies is to be mindful in identifying their allergy triggers, and to take them to a professional NJ pediatric allergist for treatment as soon as possible. At Northern Valley, all of our allergy treatments are available to child patients as well as adults.
Find The Best Allergist Near Me: Locations We Serve
From our conveniently located offices in Cresskill and North Bergen, we serve both adult and child clients in areas including:
Contact Northern Valley Allergy Asthma and Sinus Center today to schedule an appointment, book your allergy injection, or learn more about our allergy treatment services!
