Sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes when you come into contact with certain foods or materials or during certain times of the year could be an indication of allergies. Sometimes, you might not know that you are allergic to anything until you have a severe reaction. At any time you experience any kind of odd sensation or health issue when you’ve come into contact with something or if you tend to notice changes in how you feel when the seasons change, then consider visiting a doctor.
An allergist wheaton il offers assistance in discovering what you could be allergic to by performing tests. These tests are usually painless and can give you vital information as to the specifics of what you might not be able to eat or the materials that you might need to avoid. Most tests can determine the severity of the allergy that you have as well.
When you visit the doctor, your family history will be examined as well as your personal history. You will be asked about any changes that you’ve made to what you’ve been eating or the materials that you’ve come in contact with when you’ve experienced the reaction. A detailed history of how long the symptoms have lasted and when they started will be gathered as well. Once your medical history is collected, your doctor will put together a series of tests that will help determine what you could be causing your reactions.
Along with taking a medical history, your doctor will ask about your symptoms as there are some issues related to seasonal allergies and some issues that are related to being allergic to foods and certain products. You’ll be asked about the time of year you experience symptoms and what you notice, such as itchy eyes or sneezing. Your doctor will want to know if you experience any episodes of not being able to breathe or if you experience any issues of breakouts on your skin. Part of determining what you could be allergic to includes talking about the foods and things that you come in contact with when the symptoms arise. If they only occur during certain times of the year, then you likely have seasonal allergies. Your doctor will want to know if there are any medications that you have taken that offer any relief and if there is anyone in your family who experiences similar symptoms.
An allergy test is often performed at a later appointment. Sometimes, your doctor will want you to try medications before you’re tested. The tests involve a variety of common things that can cause allergic reactions. A skin prick test is one of the most common ways to determine what you’re allergic to and the severity. Your skin will be sectioned off with a small amount of each allergen put on each section. If there is a reaction, then this is what would be causing your symptoms. Another option would be to perform a blood test. A treatment plan will be put in place after finding out the results of the test.