Should I See an Allergist?
Each year some 50 million Americans ask themselves the same question - are the watery eyes and running nose, itchy red hives, or other symptoms they are experiencing enough to warrant a visit to their doctor or allergist? Many people suffer for days, weeks, and even months trying to decide.
First, you might want to consider what an allergist does. An allergist is a physician who has received special training in diagnosing and treating asthma and other allergic diseases. Doctors in the specialty have completed additional residency training in pediatrics or internal medicine and then continue on for specialized training allergy and immunology. Doctors completing this training should be certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, signifying they have completed this course of specialized study and maintain rigorous continuing education in that area.
Board-certified allergists are specially trained to recognize the symptoms that are bothering you, help you identify what may be triggering your attacks, and provide you with a treatment plan that will help you.
In deciding whether an allergist is the appropriate kind of physician to treat your condition, you might want to ask yourself, "How much is this condition affecting me?" Are you symptoms merely annoying? A runny nose, sniffles, watery eyes? Were you able to relieve your symptoms with an over the counter medication designed to treat these symptoms? Or are your symptoms affecting the way you live your life? Are you having to alter some of your activities because symptoms have become so intense? Are you experiencing difficulty breathing at times?
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends seeing an allergist if:
- You are experiencing chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing
- Symptoms have continued for several months throughout the year
- Over the counter medications have not helped or have brought on undesirable side effects
- Your symptoms are interfering with your daily activities or are decreasing your quality of life
If you are experiencing trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or other signs of serious asthma or allergic reaction, you need to see a doctor immediately. These symptoms can signal a significant reaction or attack and could turn into a life-threatening situation.