See an allergist if OTC medications are not enough

What to Do

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.

Why It Works

Allergists have access to prescription-only treatments, comprehensive allergy testing, and immunotherapy options that are not available OTC. They can also distinguish allergic rhinitis from conditions that mimic it (vasomotor rhinitis, nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis) and tailor a multi-drug regimen to your specific triggers.

Tips

• Bring a list of what you have tried (medications, doses, duration) to your first visit
• Ask for a referral from your primary care doctor, or search the AAAAI allergist finder
• An allergist visit is worthwhile even for a single severe allergy season — testing results guide treatment for years