allergialääkäri

An allergialääkäri, which translates to allergist or allergy specialist in English, is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats allergies and other conditions related to the immune system. They possess specialized knowledge in identifying the causes of allergic reactions, such as environmental allergens (pollen, dust mites), food allergens, insect venom, and medications.

The diagnostic process typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and allergy testing. These tests can include skin prick tests, where small amounts of suspected allergens are applied to the skin, and blood tests, which measure the levels of specific antibodies (IgE) in the blood.

Once a diagnosis is made, an allergialääkäri develops a personalized treatment plan. This may involve allergen avoidance strategies, medications like antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine for severe reactions. For certain allergies, immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy (drops under the tongue), may be recommended to help the immune system become less sensitive to the allergen over time.

Allergialääkärit also manage a range of allergic conditions including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema), urticaria (hives), angioedema, and anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. They play a crucial role in educating patients about their condition and how to manage it effectively to improve their quality of life.