When to See a Doctor
If your allergy symptoms interfere with your daily activities, you have congestion that lasts more than 2 weeks, or your current treatment is not providing relief, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor.
Before your appointment, make a list of your symptoms, including when you experience them and when you don't as well as what works to relieve them and what doesn't.
For a printable list of your symptoms, take the Seasonal Allergies Health Assessment.
At your appointment, you can expect your doctor to:
- Ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any family history of allergies or asthma
- Ask about medications you're taking
- Check your nose, eyes, ears, and throat
- Check your lungs by listening to your breathing
- Check your skin for rashes
If you and your doctor suspect seasonal allergies or allergic asthma are at work, you may choose to try over-the-counter or prescription medications to relieve your symptoms. Your doctor may also suggest allergy testing to gather more information or may refer you to a specialist (allergist/immunologist).
