Diagnosis is the first step in keeping allergies, asthma and sinus disease under control. You should consider to see an allergist if you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms.

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Chronic sinusitis
• Asthma
• Exercise-induced (sports-induced) asthma
• Exercise-induced Anaphylaxis
• Cough-variant asthma
• Atopic Dermatitis (eczema)
• Acute and chronic urticaria (hives)
• Acute and chronic angioedema (swelling)
• Bee sting and insect sting reactions
• Food allergies
• Drug allergies
• Recurrent infections
• Immune deficiencies
• Eosinophilic esophagitis

Depending on whether or not you’re already diagnosed with allergies or asthma, the doctor may take one or more steps to determine if you have allergic component to your symptoms. Dr. Chrostowski will combine an in-depth interview, environmental exposure history, and physical examination together with specific laboratory tests to help arrive at a diagnosis. Common tests performed in an allergist’s office include allergen skin testing and spirometry which is a test to measure lung function.

BLOOD TEST

Blood tests measure allergen specific IgE in your blood. Specific allergens may include dust mites, pet dander, or cockroaches. If high amounts of IgE are present in lab results, this may mean you have allergic asthma.

SKIN TEST

If your body has an allergic response to an allergen introduced to your skin, a reaction occurs. Redness, itching, and swelling may be observed at the site after about 15 minutes. With the “prick” or “scratch” test, allergens are pricked or scratched into your skin’s surface. Another form of skin test is done with an injection of an allergen just below the surface of the skin on your arm

SPIROMETRY

Spirometry is the most common of the pulmonary function tests (PFTs), measuring lung function, specifically the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. Spirometry can be very helpful in in assessing conditions such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and COPD.

The first step towards empowering yourself is a comprehensive understanding of what causes your symptoms, how your body reacts, and what changes need to be made to help alleviate the problems. If you have allergies or allergic asthma, it’s important to try to avoid your allergic triggers. There are many different ways people avoid triggers. Here are some tips to try:

DUST MITES

Dust collects everywhere. All the time. To help keep your exposure to dust mites at a minimum, you may want to:

• Encase pillows and mattresses in dust mite-proof covers
• Wash bedding and curtains at least once a week in hot (130-degree) water
• Use allergen-elimination laundry detergent to help get rid of dust mites in your sheets and clothes
• Replace fabric chairs and sofas with furniture that’s leather, wood, metal, or plastic
• Remove carpeting and rugs in favor of wood, concrete, vinyl, or linoleum flooring
• Be sure not to overuse humidifiers (as this can increase dust mites), and use dehumidifiers to keep humidity below 50% in your home

PET DANDER

Even people with pet-free homes can have a problem with pet dander. This is because it can be carried in on people’s clothing. To help reduce your exposure to pet dander, you can:

• Clean your floors, rugs, and furniture regularly (pet dander can even stick to walls)
• Change furnace filters regularly
• Cover pillow and mattress with microfiber fabric that can help capture cat and dog allergens
• Try not to visit the homes of people who have cats or dogs
• Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air filter) vacuum at least once a week
• Use room air purifiers to capture airborne pet dander

COCKROACHES

Cockroaches like moist dark areas and anywhere they have access to food. To help keep them away, it’s a good idea to:

• Keep garbage covered and food stored in containers with tight lids
• Clean up dirty dishes, spills, and food crumbs right away
• Fix all moisture problems, such as leaky faucets and drain pipes
• Plug up any cracks you can find at the base of walls
• Call in pest-control experts and use poison baits and traps for ongoing control
• Use plastic boxes instead of cardboard boxes
• Look for signs of cockroaches, including tiny droppings that appear to be similar to coffee grounds

ALLERGEN AVOIDANCE

Your doctor will help you take steps to identify and avoid your allergy triggers. This is generally the most important step in preventing allergic reactions and reducing symptoms.

MEDICATIONS TO REDUCE SYMPTOMS

Allergy medications can help reduce your immune system reaction and ease symptoms. The drugs you use depend on the type of allergy you have. They can include over-the-counter or prescription medications in the form of oral medications, nasal sprays or eye drops. Some common allergy medications include corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants, and leukotriene modifiers.

IMMUNOTHERAPY

For severe allergies or allergies not completely relieved by other treatment, your doctor may recommend allergy shots (immunotherapy). This treatment involves a series of injections of purified allergen extracts, usually given over a period of a few years. Allergen immunotherapy is the only active intervention that can alleviate allergy or asthma symptoms without the use of medications.

EMERGENCY EPINEPHRINE

If you have a severe allergy, your doctor may give you an emergency epinephrine shot to carry with you at all times. Given for severe allergic reactions, an epinephrine shot (EpiPen, EpiPen Jr, Twinject, Auvi-Q) can reduce symptoms until you get emergency treatment.