| Step 5: Should You See An Allergist? | |
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Many people begin by "self-treating" their allergies with over-the-counter drugs. If your allergy symptoms don't improve, if the symptoms last too long, or if you don't like the side-effects, you may be wondering if you should see a doctor.
Your primary care doctor can prescribe an allergy drug for you. Prescription drugs often have fewer side effects than over-the-counter drugs. (Read more about over-the-counter versus prescription drugs in step 10.)
For many people, their allergies are bad enough that they wonder if they should see an "allergist." You may even wonder what an allergist does. An allergist diagnoses, treats, and manages allergy-related conditions, like allergic rhinitis and asthma. In addition to being board-certified in pediatrics or internal medicine, most allergists are ABAI-certified. ABAI stands for "American Board of Allergy and Immunology." If your allergist is ABAI-certified, he or she completed a 2-3 year fellowship of specialized study in asthma, allergy, and immunology, and passed a certifying exam.
Through testing, an allergist can identify the allergens that cause your symptoms. Your allergist can also help manage medication side effects, and offer advice on immunotherapy options.
If you suspect you are allergic to something and you've never been diagnosed, ask your primary care physician to refer you to an allergist, and find out if you have insurance coverage before making an appointment.
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