Kicking Seasonal Allergies To The Curb: Your First Visit To An Allergist
Posted on: 29 April 2020
Seasonal allergies can really get in the way of your day-to-day life. All you want to do is go to work, go to the gym, take care of your kids — and you're sniffling and sneezing through it all. If you want to kick seasonal allergies to the curb, then you should make an appointment with a board certified allergist. Here are a few tips to follow for a successful first appointment.
Make the appointment when your symptoms are occurring
If you suffer from allergies mostly in the spring, see an allergist in the spring. If you have the worst time in the winter, visit in the winter. This is a good idea for a few reasons. First, it will allow the allergist to see the extent of your symptoms. You won't be trying to convey just how much you sneeze or how red your eyes get; your allergist will be able to see it. Second, it will ensure the symptoms are fresh in your mind. If you see an allergist when you've been feeling fine for a few weeks, you might forget to mention a a few symptoms.
Keep a diary in the days leading up to your appointment
Your allergist is going to ask questions like, "Where are your symptoms the worst?" and "How many times a day do you feel so stuffy you have to sit down?" You'll be better able to answer these questions if you keep a diary for a few days. Write down what you're doing and how you feel as it is happening. Note what you may have been exposed to — such as pollen, mold, or dust.
Be honest about the medications and remedies you've tried
Your allergist needs to know what you've already tried, what worked, and what has not worked. You can and should be honest about this. If you have taken a friend's prescription meds and they worked or did not work, tell the allergist. Yes, it is a bad idea to take someone else's meds, but it is worse to lie about it. You should also be honest if you have any apprehensions about meds your allergist is recommending. If they recommend a certain medication but you're worried it will cause serious side effects because it did for a relative, tell the allergist; they can recommend something else you're more comfortable with.
Seeing an allergist is the best way to kick your allergies to the curb, and if you follow the tips above, you'll be getting the most from the experience.
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