Referral to an allergy specialist is recommended under the following circumstances:

• Any severe, life-threatening reaction

• Your nasal allergies are causing secondary symptoms
  such as chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or
  breathing difficulty

• You experience hay fever or other allergy symptoms a
  month out of the year

• You have eczema or hives

• You suffer from migraine headaches

• Any asthma or warning signs of asthma except mild
  exercise induced

• Antihistamines and other over-the-counter medications
  do not control your allergy symptoms or create
  unacceptable side effects

• Your allergic condition is interfering with your ability
  to function in day to day activities

A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and other allergic diseases is an allergist. An allergist has had special training to identify the factors that trigger allergic diseases and help patients to prevent or treat these conditions.  After extended studies and passing a qualifying examination, the physician becomes an allergist certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.

• Ask your Primary Care Provider for a referral to an ACG board certified allergist

• If your PCP is not sympathetic to your allergy problems then:

- document the number of days your allergies interfere with work/school

- document the number of respiratory infections in the past year

- document the number of days medication is needed to not effective

- insist on a referral to one of the allergists at Allergy Clinic of Garland