What to expect when you visit an Allergist

By | January 30, 2018

An allergy is a reaction towards specific food, drugs and environmental factors that otherwise do not affect. The reaction can be mild or severe; it’s, therefore, essential to see an allergist who will determine the extent of the allergy. An allergist specialist diagnoses and treats allergies. In the United States, the allergist should have a specialty in allergy treatment, more than five years of training in medicine and a board certification which requires one to pass a particular exam. The allergy doctor has to attend education programs continually to keep abreast of any new developments

Why visit an allergist instead of a general physician

  • Specialist

When Most people experience that first itch or several bumps on their body, they will visit their general physician, but an allergy doctor will give you the specific care that you require. The allergist has specialized training in dealing with allergies making it more palatable to visit the allergy doctor.

  • Expertise

The allergy doctor has specially trained in areas of allergy, and therefore there is no second guessing when it comes to treatment

When To See an Allergist

  • When you have an allergic reaction to food, insect bites, medicine
  • If your allergies are interfering with your daily life
  • In case you notice symptoms of allergy disease like asthma
  • See the allergy physician if you need assistance to come up with an action plan on how to cope with allergies
  • Increase in allergic reactions
  • In case you notice your child has a consistent cough
  • If you feel you are struggling to catch your breath

Questions the allergist will ask when you visit

  • The doctor will ask question concerning
  • When you noticed the first symptoms, any medication you may have taken, and whether there was any improvement
  • Do you have a history of any allergy symptoms
  • Do you have rashes or bumps on your body
  • Any history of allergic disease like asthma in your family
  • At what time is the allergic reaction more prevalent

Steps the allergist is likely to take after check up

  • Identify the allergen

The allergist will identify the allergen and suggest ways of avoiding coming into contact.

  • Treatment

The doctor will prescribe medicine if the allergic reaction is severe.

  • Management Plan

The doctor will help you come up with a plan on how to ease the effects of various allergens.

Finally

Make sure you visit the allergy doctor Gainesville VA  as soon as the first sign of allergy appears to avoid overuse of medication. That will also ensure that you catch the symptoms before they can become severe.