When Should I See a Doctor for My Allergies?
Isabella Cannon
| 3 min read
Isabella Cannon is a 2024 Corporate Communications intern for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She currently attends Eastern Michigan University as a public relations and marketing student.
Allergies are your body’s reaction to a foreign protein. Usually, these proteins, also known as allergens, are harmless. If you have an allergy to a particular protein, your immune system overreacts to its presence in your body, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
When this happens, your body makes an antibody to fight the allergen. This leads to typically mild symptoms such as:
- Sneezing
- Itching
- Hives
- Shortness of breath
- Cramps
- Swollen skin
Some allergies may not need treatment. Others can be controlled effectively by over-the-counter medication such as antihistamines. However, some allergies interfere with your day-to-day activities, decrease your quality of life, or put your safety in danger.
Short-term symptoms of allergies to see doctor for
If you think you have allergies, don’t wait to see if your symptoms go away. If your symptoms last longer than 3 months or tend to come back during certain times of the year, make an appointment with your health care provider.
According to the Mayo Clinic, you should see your doctor or health care provider if:
- You have any symptoms you think are caused by an allergy trigger.
- You have symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough, or watery eyes that last for more than 3 months and make it hard for you to work or sleep.
- When over-the-counter allergy medications don't provide enough relief.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a rare, potentially fatal allergic reaction that affects many parts of the body at the same time. The trigger may be an insect sting, a food (such as peanuts) or a medication. Symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lightheaded or dizziness
- Redness of the skin or hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the throat or tongue
- Loss of consciousness
According to American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), frequently these symptoms start without warning and get worse rapidly. At the first sign of an anaphylactic reaction, the affected person should go immediately to the closest emergency room or call 911.
Your doctor may prescribe you to carry an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen) if you're at risk of a severe allergic reaction. These are most common for severe food allergies such as:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Shellfish
- Eggs
- Milk
Chronic or long-term symptoms of allergies
Some people have chronic or seasonal allergies that persist or reoccur over their lifetime. If you have inhalant allergies, your symptoms may last for several days or longer due to ongoing exposure to pets, dust mites, and pollens.
Symptoms of inhalant allergies include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
Nonprescription medications often help relieve these symptoms. If you have asthma, inhalant allergies can trigger or worsen your symptoms, including wheezing and shortness of breath.
What are the dangers of leaving allergies untreated?
Most allergies are mild and easily treated. According to the ACAAI, more severe allergies can weaken the immune system and can lead to other health complications if left untreated. These complications can include:
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Chronic sinusitis
- Asthma
- Sleep disorders
- Reoccurring headaches
- Lung damage
- Frequent colds and viruses
Preventing allergies and allergy treatments
The best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid your allergens as much as possible. This includes removing the source of allergens from your home and other places you spend time.
Popular allergy treatments include:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Corticosteroids
- Epinephrine
Talk to your doctor or see a certified allergist to determine the best allergy treatment for you.
