When to Seek Care for Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies can come on at any stage of your life; and if you are just getting allergies for the first time, you might be wondering at what point you need to seek care from a doctor. The fact of the matter is that you should see a doctor as soon as you think you have allergies so that you can be tested and treated. If that’s not possible, here are some signs that show you need to make an appointment sooner rather than later.
You Take Other Medications
Some medications are unable to be paired with certain allergy medications. In fact, some medications should not be taken with allergy meds at all, and the results can be disabling or deadly. It is important that you do not take any over-the-counter medication without first checking with your pharmacist or doctor to ensure that there are no drug interactions.
You Have Chronic Health Conditions
If you have chronic health conditions such as diabetes, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome, you should talk to your doctor before taking any allergy medications. Some allergy medications may have side effects that could worsen the symptoms of your chronic illness.
Your Symptoms Are Severe
Usually when seasonal allergies appear, they come on gradually, becoming increasingly worse over the course of at least a few years. If you are suddenly getting very severe allergy symptoms, you should schedule to see your doctor right away. You should visit your nearest emergency room if your mouth or throat feel swollen, you break out in hives, or you have difficulty breathing.
The bottom line is that even though a lot of allergy medications are available without a prescription, it is still important to talk to your doctor before taking any medication. They will likely recommend an over-the-counter medication as long as your symptoms are not severe, but they will have a recommendation of a brand and dose based on your particular medical situation.
If you are interested in getting allergy testing and treatment for seasonal allergies, contact us today to schedule your appointment.