Allergies are a common occurrence, affecting millions of people worldwide. If you’re among the many people who suffer from allergies, you may be thinking about seeing an allergist. An allergist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma.
Before you make an appointment with an allergist, it’s important to know what questions you should ask. That way, you can get the most out of your visit and make sure you get the best treatment possible. Here are some questions to help you get started.
54 Questions you should ask your allergist:
- What are my allergy triggers?
- How can I avoid my allergy triggers?
- What are the best medications for my allergies?
- What are the possible side effects of the medications you prescribe for me?
- How long will it take for the medications to work?
- Do you have any other suggestions on how to manage my allergies?
- What should I do if I have an allergic reaction?
- How can I tell if I’m having a severe allergic reaction?
- What should I do if I think I’m having a severe allergic reaction?
- Is there a cure for allergies?
- If not, will they go away on their own over time?
- Are there any new treatments for allergies that I should be aware of?
- How often should I come in for allergy shots?
- Will my insurance cover the cost of my allergy shots?
- Do you have any brochures or other information I can take home?
- What can I do to better control my allergies?
- I’m considering allergy shots. What are the pros and cons?
- Can allergy shots help me?
- Will allergy shots cure me?
- Am I at risk for other diseases because of my allergies?
- Do I need to change my diet or lifestyle in any way?
- What’s the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?
- How long will I have to deal with allergies?
- Is it safe for me to be around animals or certain plants?
- Can allergies be genetically inherited?
- Will I need to take medication for the rest of my life?
- I’m pregnant. How will my allergies affect my baby?
- I’m breastfeeding. Can I take allergy medicines?
- Is it safe for me to take more than one allergy medicine at a time?
- What should I do if I accidentally eat something I’m allergic to?
- How can I tell if someone else has a food allergy?
- If I have a severe allergy, should I always carry an EpiPen?
- What should I do if another person has a severe reaction and is not carrying an EpiPen?
- Do you have any information about food allergies and what foods to avoid?
- What exactly is an allergist?
- What’s the difference between an allergist and an immunologist?
- Do I need to see an allergist or can my regular doctor treat my allergies?
- What happens during my first visit with an allergist?
- How long will my appointment take?
- What kinds of tests will the allergist perform?
- Will the tests hurt?
- How long will it take to get my test results?
- What will the test results tell me?
- What can I do at home to relieve my allergy symptoms?
- Who should I call if I have questions or want to make an appointment outside of normal office hours?
- Are there any over-the-counter medications you recommend?
- Do you think I need prescription medications?
- Can you recommend any good resources (books, websites, etc.) about my condition?
- What should I do if I have a flare-up?
- How can I tell if my symptoms are caused by allergies or something else?
- Do I need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector with me at all times?
- Should I keep a food diary?
- How can I tell the difference between allergies and a cold?
- Is there anything else I should know about my allergies?
Frequently Asked Questions
What can an allergist tell me?
An allergist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or difficulty breathing, an allergist may perform a series of tests to find out what’s causing your allergies. Depending on the results of these tests, an allergist may recommend different treatments or medications to help you manage your condition.
He or she can also give you helpful tips and advice on how to manage your allergies and reduce the risk of future reactions. So if you’re struggling with allergies, it’s always a good idea to consult an allergist to learn more about what can be done to make you feel better.
How do you prepare for an allergist visit?
When you’re preparing for a visit with an allergist, you must be as prepared as possible. This includes gathering any relevant medical records or test results that may have been done in the past, doing some research on any potential allergens you may be exposed to during the visit, and making a list of any questions or concerns you may have.
By preparing well for your appointment, you can make sure the doctor has all the information he or she needs to properly diagnose and treat your allergies. Also, if you take the time to gather and organize this information, you can go into your doctor’s appointment feeling reassured and confident.
A little preparation can go a long way toward making sure you get the most out of your appointment with an allergist.
How are allergy tests done?
Allergy testing is usually done with either a skin prick test or a blood test. In a skin prick test, a small amount of the substance being tested is applied to the surface of the skin, usually on the forearm. If a positive reaction occurs, such as redness or itching, this indicates that you may be allergic to the substance.
A blood test, on the other hand, can measure certain antibodies in your blood that indicate an allergy. With these two tests, your doctor can determine which allergens you may be sensitive to and recommend effective treatment options.
Conclusion
An allergist is a great resource for people who suffer from allergies. If you think you should see an allergist, don’t hesitate to ask your regular doctor for a referral. When you make an appointment, you should bring a list of questions like the ones above. That way, you can get the answers and relief you need as soon as possible!
