Allergist

If you have allergies and have asthma, the Allergies: Asthma site will give you information of the causes, symptoms, and treatments for asthma.

1) How did the rodent doctor save lives?
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Learning About Allergies - Ever wonder about things like, "What Causes the Sneezing and Wheezing?" and "Why Do Kids Get Allergies?" The answers to these and more questions are at this site.

Patient: I have potatoes in my ears!
Doctor: How did that happen?
Patient: I don't know I planted carrots.

What is an allergist?

An allergist is a special doctor who treats allergies; an allergist is first trained in a basic specialty, and then completes another training period (normally 2+ years) in allergic diagnoses and treatment. Any doctor may treat allergies; an allergist will be the most trained in treating an allergy.

How do allergists find out if I really have an allergy?

An allergist will give you an allergy test to find out if you have an allergy. Read on to find out about allergy tests.

Allergy Tests

The most common type of allergy testing is skin testing. There are two types of skin tests. They are prick testing and scratch testing. Prick testing is when a suspected allergen is put on the patient and then the area is pricked with a needle so the allergen is in contact with cells. Scratch testing is when the allergen is scratched on the skin instead of injected into it; in both tests allergens you are sensitive to will cause red, itchy lumps.
I have only mentioned two of many allergy tests.

Youch a needle! What might the doctor do?

The doctor may give you shots that will gradually stop your allergies, but it may take months or even years. However, most kids think it’s worth it because they feel better.

Credits

Web Sites

Healthology. <http://www.healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=allergy&c=allergist>
(February, 2004).

The Nemours Foundation. "KidsHealth for Kids" 1995-2004. <http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/> (January-February, 2004).

Surrey Allergy clinic "Food Allergy Testing" http://www.allergy-clinic.co.uk/food_allergy_testing.htm
(February, 2004).

Images

Images of doctor and needle from "Microsoft Office Online" <http://office.microsoft.com/clipart/default.aspx?cag=1> Images free for non-profit and personal use. (October-February, 2003-2004).

Book

Bernstein, Joanne E. and Paul Cohen. Dizzy Doctor Riddles. Niles, Illinois: Albert Whitman & Company. 1989.

Joke Answers

1) With mouse-to-mouse resuscitation. Return