When to see a specialist

See an asthma or allergy specialist if:

• your allergies cause chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing
• you experience hay fever or other allergy symptoms several months out of the year
• antihistamines and over-the-counter medications do not control your allergy symptoms
• your asthma or allergies are interfering with your ability to carry on day-to-day activities
• your asthma or allergies decrease the quality of your life
• you experience warning signs of serious asthma, including:
  • struggling to catch your breath sometimes
  • wheezing or coughing often, especially at night or after exercise
  • frequently being short of breath or feeling tightness in your chest
• you need daily asthma reliever medications
• you need education about inhaler techniques
• you have had an allergic reaction to a bee sting
• you have food allergies
• you have hives or swelling