Allergist Visit GuideProper treatme

Allergist Visit Guide

Proper treatment is important to help alleviate allergy symptoms. Check out this guide, which outlines information to keep in mind during your next visit with your allergist.
When you've decided you’ve suffered long enough, it’s time to see a specialist about your allergy problems. Before setting up your appointment, prepare a list of things to discuss with the doctor. The guide below can get you started.

When to See a Doctor
Patients often suffer with allergies for years without seeking treatment. Many symptoms are manageable with antihistamines and decongestants, especially for those who suffer symptoms only seasonally. However, for some, symptoms either become severe enough or last long enough that they disrupt the ability to live a normal life. In those cases, a patient should consider seeking treatment.
You should especially seek medical attention if over-the-counter medications fail to provide relief or if you find you have to take these medicines for longer than a couple of weeks. These medications are meant for short-term use because, over time, they begin to lose their effectiveness.
If you or your child begin to show asthma symptoms, it is important to seek the guidance of a physician immediately. Asthma symptoms include excessive coughing that may or may not include wheezing, difficulty catching your breath, and tightness in your chest. Asthma can be life-threatening if not kept in check, and allergies can exacerbate these problems.

Keep a Symptom Diary
Part of diagnosing your allergies is determining the time of year and situations in which you experience symptoms. If, for instance, your allergies are more pronounced in springtime, after four hours of working on your yard, this is important information for your doctor to know. It might be helpful to track your symptoms on a calendar or in a journal for a while. If your allergies are food-related, keep a food diary, noting symptoms in relation to what you eat.

Making Your Appointment
In some cases, general practitioners can treat and diagnose allergies. However, if your case is moderate to severe or your physician doesn’t feel he or she can treat your case, you may be referred to a specialist.
As you make your appointment, ask if there are any special instructions for preparing for your appointment. The physician may have specific paperwork requests and, if testing may occur during your first appointment, you may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for a certain period of time before your arrival.