Seasonal Allergies
Patient Education

Doctors Who Treat Seasonal Allergies

As seasonal allergies are diagnosed, treated and managed, you may encounter the following team of doctors and specialists listed in this patient education guide.

• Allergist/Immunologist - Commonly referred to as an allergist, this type of doctor is specially trained to diagnose, treat and manage allergies, asthma and other immunologic disorders.
• Pediatric Allergist/Immunologist - This type of doctor is specially trained to diagnose, treat and manage allergies, asthma and other immunologic disorders in children.
• Internist or family physician - Doctors who provide general medical care for adults. Adults with seasonal allergies may initially be diagnosed and treated by an internist or family physician.
• Pediatrician - Doctor who specializes in the medical care of children. Children with seasonal allergies may initially be diagnosed and treated by a pediatrician.

How to Prepare for Your Seasonal Allergies Doctor Visit

Having made your appointment with a healthcare provider, there are certain actions that you need to take in order to maximize the benefit of your doctor visit for seasonal allergies. They are listed below in this patient education guide:

• Write down a list of your allergy symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to outdoor allergens.
• Write down the times of year and times of day that you experience allergy symptoms.
• Write down the types of plants and trees in your neighborhood, town, and areas where you frequently spend time.
• Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements that you're taking. Include the dosage you are taking of each.
• Make a list of questions you have for the doctor so that you don't forget to ask any of them.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Seasonal Allergies

From your initial diagnosis throughout your treatment and care, you will have questions about your seasonal allergies. This patient education guide lists questions to discuss with your doctor so you can make informed decisions about your condition.

Question About My Diagnosis

• What makes me allergic to certain allergens?
• How do I find out which plant pollens I am allergic to?
• Will I need to see a specialist for my allergies? Will insurance pay for this?
• How often will I need to see the specialist?

Questions About My Treatment

• What type of medication is used to treat seasonal allergies? Are there side effects?
• Will I have to take medication forever?
• Will other medications I take interact with my allergy medication?
• Can I drink alcohol while taking my allergy medication?
• Am I a candidate for allergy shots? How do allergy shots work?

Questions About My Lifestyle & Family

• Do I need to change my daily activities and routines to avoid my allergens?
• Do I have to stay indoors during my allergy season?
• Other than staying indoors, are there steps I can take to minimize exposure to my allergens?

Common Tests or Labs to Diagnose Seasonal Allergies

At an appointment with an allergist, he or she will ask many questions about your health history and perform allergy tests to determine which allergens trigger your seasonal allergies seasonal allergies. Skin tests and blood tests are the most common forms of allergy testing and are listed below in this patient education guide.

Common Medications and Treatments for Seasonal Allergies

The patient education guide below describes the common medications used to treat seasonal allergies. The doctor may prescribe a combination of these medications depending on your specific symptoms.

In addition, people with seasonal allergies can take the following steps to minimize contact with their seasonal allergens when possible.