5 Reasons To See An Allergist Immediately

Authored by Athena Nagel

Allergies cost Americans $8 billion per year. About half of the anaphylaxis reactions are due to food allergies. The most common foods that cause allergic reactions are eggs, milk, wheat, fish, and nuts. Apart from food, other allergy triggers are dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold.

Allergies are a part of life, but they should not rule how you live. It is best to consult an allergist even if you experience mild symptoms because they can aggravate without warning. But if you have severe symptoms, you should ask an allergist to provide you with proper medication that can help overcome the reaction.

Are you unsure about allergies and why you need to visit an allergist immediately? Here are the top five reasons.

1. You Have A Persistent Cold Or Cough

Your typical cold and cough should go away within a week after regular medication. If your cold or cough symptoms are persistent for a couple of weeks, it could be that you are experiencing an allergic reaction. But if your situation persists for more than 15 days, you need to visit an allergist.

2. Your Favorite Meal Gives You An Upset Stomach

If your favorite meals give you diarrhea, nausea, or bloating, it can cause concern. A specialist will test you for food allergies. Food items are a medley of many ingredients, and any one of the ingredients or spices could trigger an allergic reaction. Food allergies are difficult to pinpoint as they typically begin after a couple of hours of eating and can be caused by anything. Therefore, when you are unsure what caused the reaction and how to remedy it, it is best to consult a specialist.

3. OTC Medication Don’t Seem To Work Anymore

Usually, an allergic reaction can be relieved by over-the-counter medicines, such as Aspirin. If it does not work in your case, you may need alternative medication. Visiting an allergist helps evaluate your condition and prescribe medication accordingly. If you try medication without consulting a specialist, you may end up making it worse.

4. If You Are Pregnant

Pregnancy stresses a woman’s body and immune system. To add to that, if you have an allergic reaction, you need to be careful before you pop any pill. Pregnant women are usually prescribed safe and milder medication because of how the medicine reacts with other drugs. Therefore, it is best to visit an allergist to ensure that you consume medicine based on your condition.

5. You Want To Know Your Allergens

Americans experience about 4 million workdays per year due to allergies. If you suspect an allergy but are unsure of its reason, you may be tempted to go for a trial and error method. However, when you visit an allergist, they can test you for various substances and pinpoint the exact trigger. Once identified, you can avoid it to keep the reactions at bay.

Conclusion

Avoidance is the best medication for allergies, but for those who cannot, ask an allergist to prescribe medication that can help overcome the reaction immediately. It can help you lead a healthier and fuller life.