Who should see an allergist and why?

Maybe you have allergy symptoms that have gotten progressively worse over time, such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, wheezing, itchy eyes, etc.  You used to take over the counter drugs, but they don't have the same positive results they use to.  Your symptoms are beginning to affect your ability to perform at school or work.  Then, it's time to see an allergist.

What is an allergy?

By definition, an allergy is a damaging immune response to a substance.  

Why an Allergist?

Allergists are medical doctors that specialize in diagnosing and treating allergies.  Through observation, planning, skill and patience - allergists work with their patients to develop a treatment plan for the patient's individual condition.  The goal - to improve the quality of life for the patient.

Trying to decide if you should see an allergist, here is what to look for:

• • Cold like symptoms that last over 2 weeks
  • A persistent cough, it just will not go away
  • Every time you eat this particular food, you have diarrhea
  • Rashes from something you touched
  • Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, tight chest
  • Infections (ear, sinus, throat or lung) - more than 3 in a year
  • Allergy symptoms seem to be increasing and over the counter drugs don't help anymore