Recommended allergists

What is an allergist and what is their role?

An allergist is a doctor specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases that affect people of all ages. This professional has in-depth knowledge about the immune system and how it reacts to apparently harmless substances, causing different types of allergies.

The main role of the allergist is to identify triggers of allergic reactions, plan appropriate treatments and guide patients on how to avoid or minimize contact with allergens. A qualified specialist is fundamental to improve the quality of life of those who suffer from allergies, offering personalized solutions that allow better coexistence with this chronic condition.

When should I consult an allergist?

It is not necessary to wait for your allergies to become unbearable to seek specialized help. Follow-up with an allergist is essential for people who have recurrent symptoms, even if mild or moderate. Regular consultations help identify patterns and specific triggers, allowing more effective and personalized treatment.

If you suffer from symptoms such as runny nose, frequent sneezing, eye itching, difficulty breathing or skin reactions, an allergist can help control these signs appropriately. To ensure the choice of a qualified professional, consult doctor evaluations on platforms like AvaliaMed, where you can get the opinion of other patients and choose the best specialist for your case.

The importance of early diagnosis

Early diagnosis of allergies can significantly improve the patient's quality of life. By identifying the cause of allergy in the initial stages, it is possible to implement preventive strategies and specific treatments that prevent symptom progression.

The allergist uses a combination of detailed medical history, physical examination and specific tests to accurately identify allergic triggers, enabling more effective interventions from the beginning.

Regular consultations for monitoring

For those who already have an allergy diagnosis, periodic consultations are fundamental. The specialist monitors the condition's evolution, adjusts medications when necessary and evaluates response to implemented treatments.

During seasons with higher pollen concentration or in periods of environmental changes, these visits may become more frequent to ensure that the therapeutic plan continues effective even with seasonal variations.

Identifying symptom patterns

One of the main benefits of regular follow-up with the allergist is the identification of patterns in allergic symptoms. By analyzing when and how symptoms manifest, the specialist can establish correlations with environmental, dietary or behavioral factors.

This mapping allows development of more effective and personalized preventive strategies for each patient, improving their quality of life daily.

Benefits of a preventive approach

Regular consultation with the allergist serves not only to treat allergic crises, but mainly to prevent them. With adequate follow-up, it is possible to significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of crises, improving quality of life and decreasing the need for rescue medications.

This includes environmental control, dietary guidance and even therapies like immunotherapy, which can modify the immune system's response to allergens over time.

Warning signs and when to seek immediate help

Some allergic symptoms may indicate the need for urgent medical attention. If you present any of the signs described below, it is fundamental to seek guidance from an allergist as soon as possible, as they may indicate serious reactions that require immediate intervention.

Respiratory difficulty and chest wheezing

Difficulty breathing or chest wheezing are warning signs that should not be ignored. These symptoms may indicate allergic asthma or another serious respiratory condition that requires immediate evaluation.

If you notice shortness of breath, accelerated breathing or chest tightness sensation after exposure to a possible allergen, seek medical attention without delay.

Generalized urticaria and swelling

Red and raised spots on the skin (urticaria) that spread rapidly throughout the body or swelling in deeper skin layers (angioedema) are reactions that deserve urgent attention.

Especially when swelling affects lips, eyelids, tongue or throat, there may be risk of airway compromise. These symptoms may indicate a serious and potentially fatal allergic reaction.

Intense digestive symptoms after eating

Persistent vomiting, intense diarrhea or severe abdominal pain immediately after ingestion of certain foods may be signs of severe food allergy.

Especially when accompanied by other allergic symptoms, such as urticaria or respiratory difficulty, these conditions require immediate medical evaluation to prevent complications.

Anaphylaxis: a medical emergency

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and represents a medical emergency. It is characterized by rapid progression of multiple symptoms, such as respiratory difficulty, blood pressure drop, dizziness and mental confusion, in addition to skin and digestive symptoms.

Patients with a history of anaphylaxis should always carry auto-injectable epinephrine and seek medical attention immediately after its use.

How to choose the right allergist for your case?

Choosing the right allergist is an important decision for those who suffer from allergies. This professional will be responsible for accurate diagnosis and development of a personalized treatment plan, so it is essential to select someone qualified who offers quality care.

Professional qualifications

When looking for an allergist, verify their professional credentials. The specialist should have training in allergy and clinical immunology, with certification recognized by competent medical entities, such as the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology.

Continuing education is also an important factor, as the field of allergology is constantly evolving, with new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques emerging regularly.

Experience in specific conditions

Each patient may present distinct allergic manifestations, such as rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergies or drug reactions.

If you have a specific type of allergy, seek a professional with proven experience in that area. Allergists with focus on certain conditions generally have more refined protocols and deeper knowledge about specific treatments.

Empathy and communication

The relationship between doctor and patient should be based on trust and mutual respect. A good allergist should demonstrate empathy, listen attentively to your complaints and concerns, and explain clearly and accessibly the diagnosis and treatment options.

Communication capacity is fundamental, especially when dealing with chronic conditions like allergies, which require active patient collaboration in the therapeutic process.

Comprehensive and personalized approach

Each organism reacts uniquely to allergens and treatments. Therefore, it is important that the allergist has a complete view of health and considers factors such as family history, lifestyle and environment when developing a therapeutic plan.

Treatment personalization, taking into account the particularities of each patient, is essential for success in long-term allergy management.

The importance of allergy tests

Allergy tests are fundamental diagnostic tools in the allergist's practice, allowing precise identification of allergic reaction triggers. These examinations are essential for developing an effective and personalized treatment plan.

Types of available tests

Allergists have various methods to identify specific allergens:

• Skin test (prick test): Small quantities of potentially allergenic substances are applied to the skin, usually on the forearm or back.

• Serological tests: Such as RAST or ImmunoCAP, measure levels of specific IgE antibodies in the blood.

• Provocation tests: In selected cases, oral, nasal or bronchial provocation tests may be performed, under rigorous medical supervision.

Adequate interpretation of results

Correct interpretation of allergy test results requires medical expertise. A positive test does not always mean that substance is responsible for symptoms, just as a negative test does not completely exclude the possibility of allergy.

The allergist analyzes results in the context of the patient's clinical history, establishing correlations between detected sensitizations and presented clinical manifestations.

Allergic immunotherapy: treatment that modifies the disease

Allergic immunotherapy, also known as allergy vaccine, represents a significant advance in allergy treatment, being the only method capable of modifying the disease's natural course.

Unlike conventional medications, which only relieve symptoms, immunotherapy acts directly on the immune system, promoting tolerance to specific allergens.

How immunotherapy works

Immunotherapy consists of gradual administration of increasing doses of the allergen to which the patient is sensitive, under rigorous medical supervision. This controlled exposure teaches the immune system to react less intensely to the allergen, progressively reducing allergic symptoms.

Treatment can be administered subcutaneously (injections) or sublingually (drops or tablets), according to clinical case and patient preference.

Indications and efficacy

Immunotherapy is especially indicated for patients with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, reactions to insect venoms and, in selected cases, food allergies.

Scientific studies demonstrate that treatment can significantly reduce symptoms, decrease medication needs and prevent development of new allergic sensitizations. In children with allergic rhinitis, immunotherapy can even prevent progression to asthma.

Duration and commitment to treatment

The success of immunotherapy depends on the patient's commitment to long-term treatment. Generally, the complete protocol lasts from 3 to 5 years, with regular applications according to medical guidance.

Although it requires dedication, benefits can last for many years after treatment completion, representing a lasting solution for allergy control.

Allergies and environment: effective environmental control

The environment in which we live plays a fundamental role in triggering and controlling allergic diseases. The allergist works not only with medications, but also guiding patients about environmental control measures that can significantly reduce exposure to allergens.

Strategies for indoor environments

Control of allergens inside the home is essential for patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis. The allergist recommends:

• Installation of dust mite covers on mattresses and pillows
• Removal of carpets and heavy curtains
• Maintenance of low humidity
• Regular cleaning with HEPA filter vacuums

In cases of pet allergies, specific adaptations may be necessary, such as restricting animal access to certain environments.

Pollution and respiratory allergies

Atmospheric pollution significantly aggravates respiratory allergies, increasing airway inflammation and potentializing allergen effects.

The allergist provides guidance about periods of higher pollution, recommends use of air purifiers in closed environments and, in specific cases, may suggest mask use during outdoor activities on critical days.

Food allergy: precise diagnosis and safe management

Food allergy is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, varying from mild manifestations to potentially fatal reactions. The allergist plays a crucial role in correct diagnosis, patient education and development of safe management strategies.

Differentiating allergy from food intolerance

An important distinction the allergist makes is between true food allergy, which involves the immune system, and food intolerance, which is generally related to digestive difficulties.

This differentiation is fundamental, as food allergies can provoke serious reactions and require rigorous food avoidance, while intolerances allow greater flexibility in management. Precise diagnosis avoids unnecessary restrictions and ensures patient safety.

Guidelines for safe avoidance

After confirmed diagnosis, the allergist provides detailed guidance on how to avoid inadvertent consumption of the allergenic food. This includes:

• Careful label reading
• Strategies for eating out
• Alerts about possible cross-contaminations

In some cases, referral to specialized nutritionists may be necessary, who will help ensure a balanced diet despite restrictions.

Respiratory health and allergies: an integrated approach

Respiratory allergies, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma, represent a significant challenge for many patients. The allergist works with an integrated approach, recognizing the close relationship between different allergic manifestations of the respiratory tract.

The relationship between upper and lower airways

The concept of "united airway" is fundamental in modern allergist practice. This principle recognizes that rhinitis and asthma are manifestations of the same inflammatory process that affects different parts of the respiratory system.

Studies demonstrate that more than 80% of patients with asthma also present allergic rhinitis, and adequate rhinitis treatment significantly improves asthma control. The allergist addresses these conditions in an integrated manner, maximizing therapeutic results.

Personalized management of allergic asthma

Treatment of allergic asthma requires a personalized approach, considering symptom severity, specific triggers and individual characteristics of each patient.

The allergist develops a written action plan, which includes maintenance and rescue medications, guidance on inhalation technique, environmental control measures and strategies to deal with crises. This plan is regularly reviewed and adjusted according to the patient's clinical evolution.

Skin allergies: special care

Cutaneous manifestations of allergies affect millions of people, significantly impacting quality of life. The allergist works in collaboration with dermatologists to diagnose and treat conditions such as atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria and contact dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis: beyond dry skin

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by intense itching and recurrent lesions. The allergist recognizes that this disease goes beyond a simple skin problem, involving alterations in the skin barrier, immunological changes and, frequently, association with other allergic manifestations such as asthma and rhinitis.

Modern treatment includes intensive skin hydration, inflammation control with topical medications and, in severe cases, systemic medications, including the most recent biological drugs.

Chronic urticaria: a complex challenge

Chronic urticaria, characterized by recurrent episodes of raised spots and itching for more than six weeks, represents a challenge for diagnosis and treatment.

The allergist investigates possible causes, including autoimmunity, intolerances and triggering physical factors, although in many cases the cause remains unknown. Treatment follows a gradual approach, starting with antiallergic drugs in optimized doses and progressing, when necessary, to more specific medications.

Emotional impact of skin allergies

The allergist considers the significant psychological impact of skin allergies, especially when they affect visible areas of the body. Intense itching can disturb sleep, lesion appearance can generate social embarrassment, and crisis unpredictability causes constant anxiety.

A complete approach includes not only treatment of physical manifestations, but also psychological support and strategies to deal with stress, which frequently acts as a trigger for exacerbations.

How AvaliaMed can help find the best allergist for your case

Choosing the adequate allergist is essential to ensure precise diagnosis and effective treatment for allergic conditions. The allergist plays a crucial role not only in symptom treatment, but also in identifying allergy causes, patient education and implementation of personalized preventive strategies. Having a qualified and updated specialist can significantly improve the quality of life of those facing allergic problems.

AvaliaMed is the ideal platform to find qualified and experienced allergists, prepared to meet the specific needs of each patient. Through AvaliaMed, users have access to a network of allergy and immunology specialists who have registered on the platform, providing an easy, safe and efficient way to schedule consultations. The platform allows patients to choose among highly trained doctors, based on evaluations from other patients and subspecialties of each professional, ensuring that the care received is most appropriate for each individual case.