What to Expect at Your First Allergy Appointment

Prior to the Allergy Appointment

STOP ANTIHISTAMINES 5 DAYS PRIOR TO THE FIRST VISIT FOR SKIN TESTING.  Antihistamines can interfere with skin testing which is often done to help diagnose allergies.  See the FAQ’s for a list of common antihistamines and also for information when you/your child should NOT stop taking antihistamines prior to the first appointment.

Prior to the first appointment, please ask you or your child’s primary care provider or previous allergist to send a copy of any relevant medical records, including lab work or x-rays.  If the provider is within the Core Physician network, you will not need to do this except for any lab work or x-rays that may have been done at outside of the Core and Exeter Hospital network.

At Your Allergy Appointment  

Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This will allow time to verify your medical insurance and sign paperwork.

If you or your child has been evaluated by another allergist, it may help to bring or send a copy of previous skin and blood tests.

If you or your child is currently on allergy shots and transferring care to continue allergy shots, you must provide a copy of the allergy shot administration record and any available information regarding the mix of allergens.

After You Check-in at the Front Desk

You will first meet with the Allergy nurse who will check your blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate and review necessary medical information including medications. For patients with asthma or with symptoms suggestive of asthma, a breathing test (spirometry) may be done prior to meeting with the allergist.
 
Then the Allergist will meet with you and obtain a very detailed history regarding the symptoms you or your child have been experiencing and also complete a physical exam.

After the history and physical exam, and a review of the relevant previous tests and medical records, you and the allergist will decide if any testing is necessary. This may include:

  • Skin testing and or blood tests to help diagnose allergies
  • A breathing test (if not done previously)
  • Radiological images such as a sinus CT scan or chest x-ray

A comprehensive evaluation of your problems will follow with an individualized, detailed plan of care.

Allergy Tests & Procedures

Frequently Asked Questions