Making an appointment with an allergist is a crucial first step towards taking better control of your allergies and restoring your quality of life.
As with seeing any other type of healthcare professional, there are things you want to do to make the most out of your visit to your allergist. Below are 10 simple tips to help make your appointment with your allergy doctor a success.
Tip #1 Take photos of your allergic reactions.
If you develop symptoms of allergic reactions, such as rashes and swelling, prior to your appointment, make sure to take pictures of them. These provide your allergist with useful information.
Tip #2 Keep a diary of your symptoms.
This helps your allergist understand how much your symptoms are affecting your daily life. Note down what time of year, and substances or situations that you think are the culprits in your flare-ups.
Tip #3 Learn about your family history of allergies.
Before your appointment, try to learn about your family’s medical history. Allergic asthma, food allergies, and eczema tend to run in families, and this is also useful information for your allergist.
Tip #4 Schedule your visit ahead of time.
Make sure to schedule your visit ahead of time, ideally more than a week prior, as you will likely have to undergo allergy testing, which you will need to prepare for. Ask your allergist’s staff how long exactly you need to stop taking your allergy medications and other types thereof beforehand.
Tip #5 Prepare the necessary documents.
Your allergy doctor will likely need your medical records, diagnostic imaging scans, and insurance card/information, so make sure to have them handy during your appointment.
Tip #6 Wear comfortable clothing.
While there is no specific dress code for visiting your allergist, consider wearing clothing that will allow them to perform skin test on your arm or back.
Tip #7 Arrive early.
Arriving early for your appointment helps you get as much time with your allergist as possible, as it helps them to remain on schedule.
Tip #8 Ask questions.
Do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment with your allergist. This puts a message across that you’re taking a proactive role in your treatment. If something is not clear or worrying, ask for clarification. This also helps you gauge how well, thorough, or patient your allergist is when it comes to helping you understand about your diagnosis and treatment.
Tip #9 Discuss the benefits and risks of your treatment.
Any type of medical treatment always comes with potential side effects, so make sure to discuss these with your doctor. If you are not comfortable with the recommended treatment, ask your allergist what other options are available.
Tip #10 Ask for lifestyle recommendations.
Ask your doctor about avoidance strategies and specific lifestyle changes you need to employ to help tamp down your allergies.
Allergy Doctor in Georgetown, TX
At Georgetown ENT, Dr. Scott Franklin, our board-certified allergy doctor, has established an excellent reputation spanning nearly two decades for helping patients in Georgetown and beyond live well with or even successfully defeat their allergies.
Dr. Franklin offers allergy immunotherapy, which essentially trains your immune system to gradually develop tolerance to an allergen until it no longer launches an inflammatory response in the event of an exposure.
To see Dr. Franklin, call us today at (512) 869-0604. You may also use our convenient appointment request form, and we will get in touch with you promptly to schedule your visit.
