1) What is the main reason why you’re seeing an allergist?
While the answer to this question seems obvious to most people, many patients have a hard time communicating to their doctor the main reason why they made the appointment. For example, the answer might be, “I’ve been suffering from hay fever for years and medicines aren’t working.” Learn about the reasons why you should see an allergist.
2) How long have you had your symptoms?
Knowing how long you’ve had your symptoms helps to determine the likelihood that your symptoms are caused by allergies. Try to remember if you’ve had allergy symptoms since you were a child, or if your symptoms have only been present for a few months or years.
3) What are your symptoms?
Be as specific as possible, including how often your symptoms occur. It may be important for your allergist to know which symptoms bother you the most.
4) What are your triggers?
You may be seeing the allergist in order to determine this, but you may still be asked this question. Do your symptoms occur year-round, or are they worse during certain times of the year? Do your symptoms become worse around pets, dust, mold, or certain strong odors and perfumes?
5) What medications have you tried?
If you’ve tried allergy medications in the past without good results, this is important to tell your allergist. This information will help your allergist know what doesn’t work for you, as well as what medications you haven’t tried that may work for you.
6) Have you ever had allergy testing or allergy shots?
If you saw an allergist a year ago and had allergy testing, this information is very important for your current allergist to know. Also, if you tried allergy shots, your allergist will want to know if they helped your symptoms, and if you had any side effects from the allergy shots.
7) What medications are you taking now?
Bring a list of all of your current medications, whether or not these medications are being taken for allergies or another medical condition.
8) What medications are you allergic to?
Bring a list of all of your medication allergies, as well as what symptoms you experienced as a result of taking these medications.
9) What other allergic diseases do you suffer from?
For example, do you have food allergies, insect bite or sting allergies, skin allergies, nasal allergies or asthma? People with allergies tend to have more than one allergic disease, so it’s important for your allergist to know all of your allergic symptoms.
10) What is your social history?
This is a miscellaneous group of information that is a very important part of your visit with your allergist. This includes your occupation and hobbies (that might expose you to allergens or irritants), presence of mold or water damage in your home, pet exposures, smoking history, and types of allergy control measures you might use (such as air filters and dust mite covers).
Learn about what questions you should ask your allergist.
Source:
Buttram J, More D, Quinn J. Allergy and Immunology. The Complete History and Physical Exam Guide. 2003:53-69.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
