Allergist Initial Consultation

Does your runny nose or rash make you think it is time to contact an allergist? Some people attribute their allergies to changes in the weather or different types of climates. While these solutions are possible it still makes more sense to seek out assistance from a professional. It takes the guesswork out of diagnosis and could be the first step to feeling better and avoiding future symptoms.

Finding an Allergist

Whether your doctor is suggesting that you see a specialist or you are looking for someone on your own, start by seeking out local options. You may want to contact your health insurance company to see which offices are covered and how much you will need to pay out of pocket. In some cases, you may need to get a referral from your primary care physician in order to have your appointment with the allergist covered.

Describing Your Symptoms

Allergies are not always consistent. Some times seem worse than others and if these issues are fairly new, you may not be able to see a pattern developing. Before you go in to meet the allergist, do the best that you can to write down the different symptoms that you are experiencing and when they occur. If sniffles show up only in the summertime or you notice that you tend to wheeze only when you are out in a friend's garden, your doctor needs to know. This can help him or her try to diagnose your issue.

While you will probably need some testing to confirm your doctor's suspicions, the more detail you can provide the better. Patients often struggle to come up with a good description while they are in the doctor's office. They can't remember the last time they felt this way or how long the symptoms last. A journal will help both you and the practitioner come up with some solutions.

Learning About Your Options

After talking to an allergist and going through some testing, you should have some idea of what you are struggling with and how you can deal with it. For some, this means medications during certain times of the year to avoid the symptoms. Others may need to go through a number of different treatments before there is any progress. Either way, you have some choices.

Before making a decision, consider weighing out all of your options. Learn all that you can about the medications and treatments that are offered. See if there are other side effects and then decide which of the treatments and procedures will give you the best results along with a clear bill of health. If there are no real solutions, you can always find a way to manage the symptoms and get the most out of your life, despite the allergies.