About Allergy Relief | What Allergy can do?

WHAT ALLERGISTS DO

Let's assume that you've seen your primary-care doctor, learned you have allergies, and are thinking about consulting a specialist. Naturally, you wonder: Will the results justify the time and expense?

Consider this. An allergist:

•   Can offer the kind of consultation and testing that will help pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and determine the degree of sensitivity.

•   Can provide nonsedating antihistamines, cortisone nasal sprays, and other prescription medication and alert you to possible side effects.

•   Can provide expert advice on cleaning up your environment, and suggest specific products that will help "clear the air."

•   Can treat you with immunotherapy in the form of injections.

•   Can prescribe an EpiPen Auto Injector (injectable epinephrine) that could save your life in case of an anaphylactic reaction.

•   Can offer diets—mold-free, wheat-free, or whatever—as well as nutritional information custom-tailored to your needs.

•   Can discuss alternative medicines and therapies and their pos­sible effects.

That is what allergists do that other doctors, for the most part, don't do. There's no question that you'll have to devote time and energy to getting a diagnosis and following through with treatment, even if it's as simple as taking avoidance measures.

Medical costs can run high, but most health insurance will cover traditional methods. More experimental tests and treatments may not be covered, so you and your doctor should discuss this in advance. You don't need surprises later.