An allergist is a medical doctor who specializes in allergy and asthma diagnosis, treatment, and management. Allergists are also trained in immunology, which is the study of the immune system. This means they understand how your immune system works and what causes it to go into overdrive, which leads to allergic reactions.

So, when do your allergy symptoms warrant a trip to see the doctor? Here are 11 signs that it’s time to seek professional help for your allergies:

1. You’ve tried over-the-counter medications but they don’t work anymore, or recently you have not been fully satisfied by their effects. An allergist can recommend better ways to manage your allergies.
2. Your allergy symptoms last more than two weeks despite treatment attempts, and it has started to affect your school, work, or social life. You have been late or absent from important events due to allergies.
3. You experienced difficulty breathing in one of your allergy attacks. It could be asthma or it could be anaphylaxis, regardless, not being able to breathe properly or struggling to catch your breath is a sign that you need to see an allergy doctor.
4. Your quality of life has diminished because of your allergies. You feel like your mental health issues are tied to your allergies.
5. You have multiple allergies. You could have allergic rhinitis, skin allergies, and/or food allergies. Altogether, they make it difficult to live your life normally.
6. You have chronic sinusitis. Allergies can lead to sinusitis, which is an infection somewhere along the sinus passageways, which compounds the misery you feel, as it causes facial pain and tenderness.
7. Anaphylaxis is a real possibility for you –  this is a rare but potentially life-threatening reaction that causes difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure. If severe allergic reactions run in your family, you should seek treatment from an allergy doctor to avoid such an outcome.
8. Your skin becomes red and inflamed after exposure to an allergen. These are symptoms of eczema or atopic dermatitis, which is a reaction to allergens such as certain fabrics, fragrances, chemicals, cold and dry weather, dampness, and more.
9. You keep getting ear infections. Chronic ear infections may also be related to underlying allergies. Allergy doctors are highly skilled at treating ear infections caused by allergies.
10. You do not want to let go of your pet. If you’ve become allergic to your pet, letting go is often not an option. Allergy doctors may be able to help reduce the severity of your reaction to your pet through immunotherapy, which trains your body not to overreact to their dander.
11. Finally, keep in mind that children under five years old may not be able to communicate their allergy symptoms clearly. If your child seems unusually irritable, is sleeping poorly, or has chronic dark circles under their eyes, they may be suffering from undiagnosed allergies.

Talented Allergy Doctors in Will County & DuPage County, IL

The allergy specialists at Oak Brook Allergists can take care of all your allergy needs. We have been treating patients in Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Naperville, and Plainfield since 1962, and stay up-to-date on the latest offerings in allergy treatment.

We provide care for the entire family and make getting an appointment easy. Let us make your life better through expert allergy care. To schedule an appointment, call our allergy clinic today at (630) 574-0460, or use our convenient online request form.