HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Allergic Rhinitis
When to Call a Doctor
Call your doctor if:
- You have pain in the
Reference sinus area Opens New Window Reference
Opens New Window and other symptoms of sinus infection. (Symptoms may include fever or a creamy, yellow
or green discharge from the nose.) - Your allergy symptoms get worse and you don't know why.
- You are taking a prescription or over-the-counter allergy medicine that does not help your symptoms.
- Your allergy medicine is causing side effects that bother you, such as decreased coordination or increased drowsiness.
- You have a fever or ear pain.
- You have a cough or cold that lasts longer than 1 to 2 weeks.
- You have severe itching of the eyes or nose.
- Your allergy disturbs your life.
Who to see
Health professionals who can evaluate and treat mild allergic rhinitis symptoms include:
- Reference Family medicine physicians Opens New Window.
- Reference Pediatricians Opens New Window.
- Reference Internists Opens New Window.
- Reference Nurse practitioners Opens New Window.
- Reference Physician assistants Opens New Window.
You may need to see an allergy specialist (Reference allergist Opens New Window), depending on your symptoms or which other treatments you may need. For example, you may need to see a specialist if your medicines are not working or cause severe side effects or if you are thinking about getting allergy shots (Reference immunotherapy Opens New Window).
Your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist (also called an Reference otolaryngologist Opens New Window or otorhinolaryngologist). An ENT specialist may be helpful if your doctor thinks you may have Reference nasal polyps Opens New Window or other obstructions in your nose.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 30, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Rohit K Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology |
|
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
