Allergies

How do I prepare for my allergy appointment?

Because you’re not quite sure what is causing your allergies, the more information you provide, the easier it’ll be for your doctor. Allergies can stem from your diet, a change in seasons, and pollution in the environment, to name a few. Do your best to log your symptoms before going in for the initial consultation -- even if it’s only for a few days.

Get a notebook and start journaling every time you have an outbreak. Your doctor will want to know what types of symptoms you have, and when you have them. For example, if you broke out in hives after dinner, the doctor will want to know exactly what you ate. Write it all down. Even if your only symptom was a short sneezing fit when you left for work in the morning, that information may be helpful. These details help your doctor get you the right test, so you can get a diagnosis quicker.

Is it beneficial to get an allergy blood test?

Yes. It’s often a starting point for determining allergen triggers and any inflammation in your body. This test can determine if you’re allergic to:

• Certain foods
• Dust and mold
• Pet dander
• Trees, grasses, and weeds

Will I need a skin-prick test? How is it done?

It depends on the severity of your symptoms and possibly the result of your blood test. The skin-prick test is often more thorough than a blood test since it allows your doctor to test for dozens of allergens. Plus the doctor can confirm a diagnosis on the spot.

During a skin-prick test, Dr. Gadh will drop concentrated drops of various allergens directly on your skin. The doctor will then scratch or puncture the area to allow the allergens to sink into your skin. If you have a flare-up, odds are, you’re allergic to the substance. While the skin-prick test can be uncomfortable, especially if it does cause an outbreak, it generally isn’t painful and shouldn’t draw blood.

Do I have a choice of treatments for allergies?

Yes. The team at Gadh Family Practice will help you figure out which allergy treatment method is best for your specific allergen, as well as your lifestyle. You may benefit from:

• Allergy shots
• Over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays
• Corticosteroid creams or ointments
• Prescription oral corticosteroid medication
• Sublingual immunotherapy
• Epinephrine injections (for emergencies only)