If you are planning to visit your doctor for an appointment regarding your allergy, it is important to know what you can expect from this visit. This can enable you to prepare well and get the most out of your appointment. You might have a strong suspicion that you are suffering from an allergy and you may be aware of its triggers. The triggers may be chemicals, molds, pollens or certain foods. It’s always better to have a professional opinion so you would know how extensive your condition is and most importantly know the best way to treat the allergy.

Here are some questions you can ask your doctor to give you a better perspective of your condition and the potential course(s) of treatment.

• What do you think are the things that cause my asthma or allergy reactions?
• How can I avoid these causes?
• What kind of treatment I can avail of for my asthma or allergy?
• Do these treatments have side effects? If so, what are they?
• Can I do anything to modify my environment to lessen my chances of getting allergy or to better my asthmatic or allergic condition?
• Do you know about immunotherapy? Can I avail of that treatment?  Do you think it is effective for my type of allergy?

Your appointment time is enhanced if you share more information with your doctor. To attain this, it is best to write down vital information like:

• Signs and symptoms – Write down your symptoms and signs of your allergy and state whether they come seasonally or you have them year-round. If you have an idea of the triggers of your symptoms, write them down as well.
• Medications – List down the drugs you have taken and are currently taking. Include herbal supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs. List down all that you deem has helped or aggravated your allergy symptoms. Write down if you’re allergic to certain medications.
• History of allergy – Write down the number of times you’ve had allergy treatment especially the times you’ve been hospitalized because of your allergies.

You might need to stop taking your medications just before your appointment. The reason for this is that substances like antidepressants and antihistamines can interfere with the outcomes of the allergy tests. You can talk to your doctor to know how to make the most out of your visit and be able to avoid things that may worsen your allergy symptoms.

What the Doctor May Ask

As you have certain questions you need to ask your allergy doctor, so too does your doctor has several important questions to ask you to know more about your condition.  Expect questions like:

• Do you know what your allergy symptoms are?
• When was the first time you felt these symptoms?
• Did you just suffer from a respiratory infection or a cold?
• What part(s) of the day are the allergy reactions most severe?
• Do you know of things that make these symptoms better or worse?
• Do your symptoms become more severe when you’re in certain rooms of your house?
• Do you own pets? Do they come into your room?
• Does your home or workplace feel damp? Do you have water leakage in your home?
• Does your family have a history of asthma or allergies?
• Are you a smoker? Are you often exposed to second-hand smoke or to other airborne pollutants?
• Have you tried other treatments? How effective where they?
• Are you suffering from other kinds of health conditions?
• Are you presently taking medications including herbal medications or supplements?

Manhattan Acupuncture Clinic
900 Broadway, Suite 404
New York, NY 10003
Ph: (917) 968-6456
https://www.manhattanacupunctureclinic.com/