Your first visit

Your first visit to an allergy or asthma specialist will focus on diagnosing your symptoms and beginning treatment. Allow two hours for this visit.

Be prepared to give specific information about when and under what circumstances your symptoms tend to occur. Your doctor probably will ask you some of the following questions.

1. What symptoms are you having? (Sneezing, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, hives, itchy skin, swelling?)
2. When do these symptoms usually occur? (During the day or night, at home or at work, after exercise, only during certain seasons of the year or certain weather conditions?)
3. How often do you have problems? (Occasionally, daily, a few times a month, only after a cold or other upper-respiratory illness?)
4. Do you have any known allergies?
5. Do you have a family history of asthma or allergies?

Your doctor also will perform a complete physical exam. Allergy skin tests and a breathing test called spirometry, usually are conducted during your first visit. You will need to discontinue any antihistamines before your visit. A schedule (PDF) of specific medications and times they need to be stopped, will be mailed to you, with a questionnaire (PDF) to report your symptoms.