Proper diagnosis and treatment can stop your allergy, asthma or sinus pain and discomfort.

Diagnosis - When should I see an allergist?

An allergist specializes in the treatment of allergies, asthma and sinus diseases.You should see an allergist if:

  • Your allergies are causing symptoms such as chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing.
  • You experience hay fever or other allergy symptoms several months out of the year.
  • Antihistamines and over-the-counter medications do not control your allergy symptoms or create unacceptable side effects, such as drowsiness.
  • Your asthma or allergies are interfering with your ability to carry on day-to-day activities.
  • Your asthma or allergies decrease the quality of your life.
  • You are experiencing warning signs of serious asthma such as:
    — You sometimes have to struggle to catch your breath.
    — You often wheeze or cough, especially at night or after     exercise.
    — You are frequently short of breath or feel tightness in your chest.
    — You have previously been diagnosed with asthma, and you have frequent attacks even     though you are taking asthma medication.

Treatment

Effectively controlling asthma and allergies requires planning, skill and patience. The allergist, with his or her specialized training can develop a treatment plan for your individual condition. The goal will be to enable you to lead a life that is as normal and symptom-free as possible.

A visit to the allergist might include:

  • Allergy testing — The allergist will usually perform tests to determine what allergens are involved.
  • Prevention education — The most effective approach to treating asthma or allergies is to avoid the factors that trigger the condition in the first place. Even when it is not possible to completely avoid allergens, an allergist can help you decrease exposure to allergens.
    (see Home Tips)
  • Medical prescriptions — A number of new and effective medications are available to treat both asthma and allergies.
  • Allergy shots, (see Immunotherapy) — In this treatment, patients are given injections every week or two of some or all of the allergens that cause their allergy problems. Gradually the injections get stronger until you reach your maintenance dose. In most cases, the allergy problems get less and less over time.

Important Note:  When you schedule your first visit to the allergist, it will be helpful to bring a list of all your medications.  Since skin tests may be performed during this visit you should not take any medications containing antihistamines for at least three days prior to your visit.  If you are asthmatic, do not discontinue any of your asthma medications prior to your first visit except those containing antihistamines.  Please do not discontinue any other medications.  If you are unsure of any medication content, please call your pharmacist for clarification.


Allergy Partners, P.A. provides diagnostic testing and treatment of allergies, asthma and sinus diseases in a caring and professional environment, nation-wide at 22 office locations.

Click here to locate an Allergy Partners Office in your region.

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