There are several factors that you can cause an allergy. There are numerous allergens and numerous ways through which the body would react to those allergens. Sometimes it will not be too serious, so over the counter drugs would resolve the issue. In conditions where anti-histamines prescribed by general physician don’t help, then it is time to go to a specialist. Doctors that specialize in allergy treatment are called allergist. They have their own set of tests and treatments that could help determine the exact allergen. To fight any allergy, it is crucial to identify the allergen and its reaction.
If you are hearing about allergist for the first time, then it is time you followed these simple steps.
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Before The Visit
The first and the foremost thing you need to do is take away that fear. Allergist are not dentist, though the skin and prick test do sound painful. But like the dentist, allergist is very effective. After the few minutes of test, the medication and precautions that he/she would advice would be the best solution you could follow.
If you are on an over-the-counter allergy medication, it is necessary that you stop taking it before your visit the allergist. When you call to book an appointment with an allergist, the do advice new patients about days they should stop taking medication before coming for a checkup. This is done so that natural reaction of the body is recorded to different known and common allergens. Plus, if you are taking anti-histamines, then your blood test would also not be that helpful.
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At the Allergy Clinic
First and foremost, the allergist would require you to fill up all the details about you and your medical condition. If you are maintaining a reaction history, then it would be good to attach it along with the form that the allergist provides. These forms seem daunting, but are a way for allergist to understand the severity of your condition.
Then it is also necessary that you have ample time, don’t rush through your appointment because it would not be possible. The duration of your stay at the allergic clinic would first depend on the length of the test and then on the reaction during the skin test. And no allergen would prescribe or suggest anything unless he has tested you properly.