Allergology in Los Angeles

Allergology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of allergies. Allergies are the immune system’s response to substances that can be harmful to the human body (allergens). Allergens can be found in the air, certain foods, everyday objects, drugs, and pets. 

A doctor who specializes in the treatment of allergies is called an allergist, while a scientist who studies allergology is called an allergologist. They can examine allergic pulmonary and skin diseases in both children and adults. In addition, they are able to examine the ear, nose, and throat diseases that are related to allergic problems. Allergist usually works with other specialists, such as ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors, dermatologists, internists, or gynecologists. Some of the most common allergy that allergists can help treat include:

• Food allergies (such as peanuts, cow’s milk protein, meat, and fruit)
• Animals (such as insects and feathered or furry animals)
• Dust mites (tiny bugs that can be found in dust in carpets, mattresses, and furniture)
• Pollens (trees, grasses, herbaceous plants)
• Latex
• Mould
• Certain metals
• Sun.

The specialty of adult allergology focuses on the treatment of atopic eczema and urticaria, asthma and obstructive pulmonary diseases, chronic maxillary sinusitis, allergic eye symptoms, as well as drug and food allergies. Pediatric allergology concentrates on treating atopic eczemas and asthma in children of all ages, in addition to food allergies and other types of allergies.

Allergists can perform a wide range of tests and procedures, including:

• Allergy skin testing, including prick skin testing and intradermal skin testing
• Food challenges
• Aspirin desensitization
• Blood tests
• Physical exam
• Spirometry (lung function tests)
• Medication/drug challenge
• Patch testing
• Allergy shots
• Prescribing medications, such as emergency epinephrine and antihistamine.

How Long Should I Stay in Los Angeles?

You should be able to leave the clinic or hospital on the same day as your allergy test or treatment. However, it is advisable that you stay at least 2 to 3 days after an allergy test to wait for the results. You will need to visit your allergist who will explain the results to you and discuss the best treatment option. If you need allergy shots, you usually require them every 2 to 4 weeks for 4 to 5 months. You can choose to travel multiple times or stay in Los Angeles until the whole treatment is finished.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

There is little to no recovery times after allergy tests or treatments. You should be able to resume your normal activities as soon as you do not experience symptoms that interfere with your ability to perform your daily activity.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you instructions to prevent an allergic reaction from happening in the future, which usually includes avoiding your allergens. In some cases, they will give you an emergency epinephrine autoinjector and teach you how to use it. Make sure to keep the product near you at all times. You may also be advised to let your family, friends, or those closest to you know where you keep the epinephrine and how to use it. 

What's the Success Rate?

Diagnosis and treatment of allergy are becoming more successful and safer now thanks to the continuous advancement of allergology. For example, around 85% of people who receive regular allergy shots for 3 to 5 years, experience permanent results. Medicines can also control the symptoms much better now. However, some types of treatments do have side effects and risks, such as reactions that appear as hives at the site of the injection, redness, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy skin.

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, you will need to see an allergist diagnose and treat allergy, but you can also see an immunologist as the alternative. If your symptoms are found to be caused by other problems unrelated to allergy, your allergist will refer you to the relevant specialist. 

Allergology in and around Los Angeles

About Los Angeles

The city of Los Angeles, often called by its initials L.A., is the second-most populous city in the United States. It is the cultural, financial, and commercial center of Southern California. This sprawling metropolis is best known as home to Hollywood, natural beauty, and its Mediterranean climate. Near-perfect weather, clear blue skies, mountains, and sunny beaches beckon tourists from all around the globe to visit. In 2018, 50 million people visited this city, and among those visitors were medical tourists. The cost of medical treatment in the US may be rising, but with well-trained medical professionals, cutting-edge technology, world-class medical centers, and a wide range of procedures, people from all over the world still seek to get treated in Los Angeles. The city is widely known to have some of the best surgeons as well as some of the best medical centers in the world. 

Popular Areas in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a lot to offer, and there is something to suit everyone in this beautiful city. Many people will start their travel by seeing the infamous Hollywood sign and visiting Hollywood Boulevard to enjoy the Walk of Fame. However, there is so much more in the city than Hollywood. The following are some of the top sites to see in Los Angeles.

• Venice Beach comprises a variety of artistic venues, exclusive boutiques, and surfers. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. The much-admired Venice Breakwater is a famous local surfer spot where the waves break on both sides. Take a stroll at the Venice Boardwalk to discover the most diverse ocean front walk in the world. Here, tourists will find numerous restaurants, spas, street entertainers, artists magicians, and skaters.
• Disneyland in Anaheim is less than 30 miles from Los Angeles. It is called the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Take a day trip here and enjoy the rides, such as the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. In the park, tourists are encouraged to immerse themselves in the enchanting worlds of Disney stories and feel like a kid.
• Getty Center has a stellar art collection of photographs, drawings, manuscripts, and pre-20th-century European paintings. Tourists can see famous paintings such as Wheatstacks by Monet, Irises by Van Gogh, and The Abduction of Europa by Rembrandt from up-close. Besides the art, the architecture of this museum is fascinating, which was designed by Richard Meier. On clear days, tourists are able to get spectacular views of the city and ocean.
• Griffith Park is the second-largest park in the United States. It is a great place for picnics and to hang around with friends. For an incredible view of the city, follow the hiking trails that lead up to Mulholland Drive. Tourists can also enjoy the LA Zoo, The Space Observatory, and the Autry Western Museum.

Weather and Climate in Los Angeles

Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate and has plenty of sunshine throughout the year. 

• Spring months from March to May is known to be the best time to visit the city since the weather is pleasant. There will be loads of sunshine and minimal rain during this season. The average temperature is around 21 °C, but it can be much cooler near the ocean. 
• Summer comes in June and ends in August. It is also the peak tourist season, so expect the tourist areas to be crowded. Gray fog overruns the city in June, particularly in the early mornings. Generally, the weather is warm and sunny during this season, which allows tourists to enjoy the beaches. Note that the temperature can get unbearably hot inland.
• Autumn is from September to November. The weather starts to cool down, and the summer heat subsides, with the average temperature hovering around 23 °C. However, November is the start of Los Angeles’ rainy season.
• Winter is from December to February, and rain is prevalent during these months. The weather is still pleasantly mild, but it will be rainier than usual in February. 

Getting Around in Los Angeles

Los Angeles International Airport or mostly referred to as LAX is the primary international airport in the city. It serves a number of domestic and international flights to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Both major and budget airlines operate flights from the airport. JetBlue, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines are some of the low-cost carries tourists can choose for budget travel. From the airport, FlyAway bus, taxi, or car hire are available to get to the city center.

The best way to travel around Los Angeles is to hire a car, but if you want to avoid the hassle of driving, you can always hire a car and driver. Nevertheless, using public transportation is a lot more cost-effective. The city has a Metro Rail subway system, but the routes are still limited. You can purchase a pass at the self-service machines at each station. The pass is also valid for the city buses. The best alternative is to ride a public bus. The public bus travels to the entire city and charges the same fares as the metro. If you want to visit several attractions, there are a variety of sightseeing bus tours that can save you from the trouble of figuring out the public bus routes.

Taxis are available, but they can be expensive since LA is big and has bad traffic. The fares are metered and can be organized over the phone. Uber, UberX, and Lyft are popular in Los Angeles.    

Tourists Visas in Los Angeles

Visa exemption and visa waiver program are available for 42 countries, including Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Canada. Holders of passports that are not listed in the visa exemption or visa waiver agreement need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. The visa is generally valid for 90 days. It is advisable to visit the nearest United States Embassy to learn about the visa policy.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the US dollar ($). It is the world’s primary reserve currency and used in most international transactions.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, hotels, and shops. Cards are required for reservations. Tipping is not optional, tip 18% to 20% in restaurants.
3. Local Language: English is the most widely spoken language, but since Los Angeles is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world, there are 223 other languages spoken. These languages include Korean, Filipino, Chinese, Armenian, and Persian.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The largest religion in Los Angeles in Roman Catholicism, followed by Judaism. Smaller groups of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and several other religions.
5. Public Holidays: Some of the largest holidays in Los Angeles are New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.