Prepare For These Questions When Visiting An Allergy Doctor

Close-up examination by doctor allergic rash. Doctor examines patient skin. Hands in medical gloves palpating skin with red rash. Examination by dermatologist, problem with health an allergy.

Allergy doctors, also known as allergists and immunologists, are medical specialists who study and treat allergies. Allergies are a reaction of the body’s immune system to substances that are typically harmless. Common allergies include hay fever, pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and certain food proteins.

If you think you might have an allergy – whether it’s seasonal allergies or year-round allergies called perennial allergies – see an allergy doctor for diagnosis and treatment recommendations specific to your situation.

When visiting an allergy doctor, being reasonably prepared helps you make the most out of your visit and ensures you leave the clinic without any questions. Here, we will talk about some of the questions you should prepare for when visiting an allergy doctor.

Allergy Doctor Questions

  1. What are your symptoms? (Redness, swelling, sneezing, red and watery eyes, shortness of breath, hives, eczema, etc.)The more details you give, the better your doctor will be able to understand your condition.
  2. When did you first start experiencing these symptoms? Is it seasonal, occurring every Spring or Fall? Do you get allergies while at home or while outdoors? What incidents can you connect your allergic reactions too? This is to understand what triggers your allergies.
  3. Do you have any other medical conditions? Asthma and sinusitis are two medical conditions linked to allergic reactions.
  4. Have you ever been diagnosed with allergies before? Patients with allergies tend to have more than one allergy trigger. For instance, a person can have allergic rhinitis and eczema.
  5. How do you treat your allergic reactions? Do you take any medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements? Let your doctor know what medications and therapies you used for relief, as well as what medications you are currently on. This information is important, as it helps your doctor create your treatment plan.
  6. Are there any triggers that seem to make your symptoms worse? Lack of sleep, stress, skipping showers, and use of the heater are common examples of what makes certain allergies worse.
  7. How have your allergies affected your quality of life? Have you had difficulty sleeping due to allergies? Has your work productivity suffered? Are you having trouble focusing on important things? Allergies can seriously affect the quality of life. Let your doctor know how it has affected yours, so they can appropriately address the problem.

How Do Allergy Doctors Treat Allergies?

Allergy doctors work with patients to identify allergy triggers and develop treatment plans to avoid or minimize exposure to these triggers. Treatment may involve medications, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, bronchodilators, hydrocortisone creams, epinephrine injections, immunotherapy via allergy shots or allergy drops, and more. Treatment often depends on the type of allergy. In most cases, allergy avoidance is a useful strategy – for example, if someone is allergic to stinging insects, they will need to be very careful around them and take steps to prevent being stung.

Allergy Doctor in Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Naperville, and Plainfield, IL

Oak Brook Allergists has a team of allergy specialists who are ready to provide you with comprehensive allergy care. The best patient is a well-informed patient, which is why we make sure you fully understand what you need to do to manage your allergies effectively. We offer a range of treatment options, including immunotherapy, which in some cases, patients can administer themselves.

At Oak Brook Allergists, we are committed to your entire family’s care. To schedule an appointment with us, call our office today at (630) 574-0460 or use our convenient online request form.