When should you visit an allergy clinic?

Woman blowing her nose while talking to her doctor

Out of the many Americans that have allergies, a lot do not believe their symptoms are serious enough to visit an allergy clinic. Managing allergies with over-the-counter medication may bring some relief, but unfortunately, it does not get to the root of the problem or offer long-term relief. If you want to effectively manage your allergy symptoms, and be free of them (which is entirely possible), there is no better way than to see an allergy specialist.

If you are here, you are probably wondering whether it’s time to visit an allergy clinic. If you experience the symptoms below, it’s time to place a call to an allergy clinic and schedule an appointment.

Signs It May Be Time to Visit an Allergy Clinic

You can get allergies from environmental triggers such as pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and air pollution, or foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, fish, dairy, soy, shellfish, and more.

It may be time to see an allergist if:

  • You have hay fever symptoms – watery eyes, a runny nose, congestion, and sneezing – that last for months
  • You suffer from chronic sinusitis (inflamed sinuses that block the airway) that can lead to an infection
  • You are sleeping through the night is difficult because of allergy symptoms
  • Your partner is bothered by loud snoring due to a blockage in your airway
  • You are missing work or social events due to allergy symptoms
  • Your work productivity suffers due to uncomfortable allergy symptoms
  • You experience tightness in the chest and have difficulty breathing during an allergic reaction
  • You are frequently feeling short of breath especially after exercising
  • Over-the-counter medication provides only mild relief
  • You get a severe skin reaction from certain chemicals, clothing materials, and insect bites
  • You have developed an infection from scratching an eczema-like rash
  • You have experienced symptoms after consuming certain foods
  • You’ve suddenly become allergic to something that did not previously cause issues
  • You have chronic medical conditions and take medication that can interact with over-the-counter allergy medication

Allergies can decrease the quality of life for anyone suffering from them, not to mention some allergies, such as food allergies, can be life-threatening. When you see an allergy specialist for your condition, you can undergo allergy testing, find out your allergy triggers, and get on a treatment plan that can help prevent or reduce the severity of your allergic reactions.

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

Our allergy specialists at Oak Brook Allergists are highly experienced in allergy and asthma care and provide individualized treatment for our patients. From allergic rhinitis and asthma to skin allergies and food allergies, we treat it all. We can help improve your condition and guide you on how to manage your allergies, so they don’t prevent you from living your life.

For any questions or to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified allergy doctors, call our allergy clinic today at (630) 574-0460 or use our convenient appointment request form. Oak Brook Allergists have four locations from which to serve you, and our friendly staff looks forward to assisting you.