When is It Time to See an Allergist?

It is not uncommon for individuals to suffer year after year with symptoms that affect the quality of their life. Allergy symptoms are very common and can often be controlled fairly easily with over-the-counter medication. At other times, however, there’s more to the treatment than that. This is when you’ll need a professional to step in and assess your condition, but how do you know when it is time to finally let them take charge?

You have no idea about the cause of your allergies

If you are experiencing unexpected allergy attacks with seemingly no cause (change of weather, dog fur, insect bites, etc.), it is probably best that you see an allergist who will be able to carry out a test for different irritants so you can be sure what exactly your body reacting to. It could be either an irritant or a combination of different things.

You are taking a lot of OTC medicines

Over-the-counter allergy medication is supposed to be a temporary means of relief. If you are visiting a relative with a furry pet, you may want to bring along some Zyrtec. However, if you are consuming it every day, or taking large quantities of it, it is not healthy. Common side effects of antihistamines include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, and in extreme cases, kidney damage.

Difficulty breathing

Having a clogged nose is one thing, but a swollen throat can prove to be life-threatening. If you are experiencing severe shortness of breath or hives in addition to your allergy symptoms then don’t take any chances with OTC medication.

It is impacting your quality of life

Are your allergies stopping you from doing certain things and going to certain places? Do you have to wait for long for your allergy medication to take effect? Alternatively, do you feel reluctant to go out with your friends, go camping or anything similar to have fun just because of the fear of suffering an allergic reaction? If you nodded yes to any of these questions, then do yourself a favor and visit the allergist.

How can an allergist help you?

An allergist can help:

• Confirm the diagnosis of asthma or allergies
• Identify any potential stimulators of your asthma or allergic symptoms
• Examine your symptoms and explain the reason(s) behind them
• Prescribe medication and treatment plans after assessing your symptoms and test results.
• Re-assess treatment plans and medication if needed

The treatment you receive from an allergist can range from allergy shots to a non-drowsy prescription medicine. The professional may also give you tips for monitoring allergens in your home, like throwing your pillows in the dryer once every week or keeping pets out of the bedroom.

Once you are tested, you may also choose to go with alternative treatments, like naturopathic or acupuncture and holistic remedies.

If you are unsure of where to start, contact us today and we will hook you up with the best allergist in New York.

Call our offices at 212-319-5282 to schedule an appointment with the best allergist in New York City.