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Allergy testing by primary care physicians.
1University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
Postgraduate Medicine
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Primary care physicians can manage allergies effectively with thorough patient history and physical exams. They should avoid remote diagnostic plans and consider referral, medication, or advanced allergy care training.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Primary Care Medicine
Background:
- Primary care physicians (PCPs) manage allergies due to demand.
- Treatment success hinges on PCP interest and engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the role and necessary approaches for PCPs in allergy diagnosis and treatment.
- To guide PCPs in managing allergic conditions within their practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic and treatment modalities for allergies.
- Emphasis on clinical evaluation, including history and physical examination.
- Discussion of pharmacotherapy, immunotherapy, and diagnostic testing options.
Main Results:
- Effective allergy management requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.
- PCPs should not rely solely on automated diagnostic tools.
- Diagnostic tests vary in applicability based on PCP involvement level.
Conclusions:
- PCPs must decide between referral, medication, or deeper involvement in allergy care.
- Immunotherapy offers potential benefits but requires specialized training and carries risks.
- Food allergy diagnosis relies on elimination diets and challenge, not in vitro tests.