When should you see a doctor or allergist for allergies?

Ask your allergist for a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond basic pollen testing to include dust mite, mold, pet dander, and food cross-reactivity assessment.

For severe allergic rhinitis flares that are debilitating despite maximal other therapy, ask your doctor about a short course of oral prednisone (20-40mg/day for 5-7 days). This is a rescue measure, not a regular treatment.

Be aware that montelukast (Singulair) carries an FDA black box warning for neuropsychiatric side effects. For allergic rhinitis, it should only be used when other treatments have failed.

Discuss omalizumab (Xolair) or dupilumab (Dupixent) with your allergist if you have severe allergic rhinitis (often with nasal polyps and/or asthma) that fails conventional treatments.

See an ENT specialist (otolaryngologist) if nasal congestion is persistently worse on one side, or if you have facial pain/pressure suggesting chronic sinusitis.

Ask your doctor about Dymista (azelastine + fluticasone) or Ryaltris (olopatadine + mometasone) if you need more relief than a single nasal spray provides.

Request a spirometry test (simple breathing test) from your doctor if you experience coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath during allergy season.

Ask your allergist about sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets — a daily tablet dissolved under the tongue at home. FDA-approved options include Grastek (grass), Ragwitek (ragweed), and Odactra (dust mite).

Discuss allergy shots (SCIT) with your allergist if you have moderate-to-severe allergies for 2+ consecutive seasons. The standard course is weekly injections for 3-6 months (buildup), then monthly maintenance for 3-5 years.

Schedule an appointment with a board-certified allergist if you have tried a nasal corticosteroid spray plus an oral antihistamine consistently for 2-4 weeks and symptoms remain poorly controlled.