FAQs for Allergy Visit
Q. Will I be tested for allergies on the day of my visit?
In most cases, yes. Patients who are experiencing asthma symptoms at the time of the appointment, or are taking certain blood pressure medications (beta blockers), suffer from certain heart or lung conditions, or have recently taken an anti-histamine may not be able to undergo testing on the initial visit.
Some exceptions exist and include patients who are:
- Experiencing asthma symptoms at the time of the appointment
- Taking certain blood pressure medications called beta blockers
- Suffering from certain heart or lung conditions
- Currently taking an anti-histamine (interferes with the skin testing process)
Q. What medications do I need to stop prior to allergy testing?
Anti-histamines should be stopped 3 days prior to your visit if possible. Examples include:
- Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
- Zyrtec (Cetirizine)
- Claritin (Loratidine)
- Clarinex (Desloratidine)
- Xyzal (levocetrizine)
- Atarax (hydroxyzine)
- Tylenol cold or sinus
- Advil cold or sinus
- Allegra (fexofenadine)
- Clorpheniramine
- Dimetap
- Astelin or Astepro nasal spray
- Alavert
- Nyquil
- Patanase nasal spray
- Sudafed/Actifed cold and sinus
- Triaminic
- Robitussin
- Chlor-Trimeton
- Aleve cold and sinus
To be safe, do not take any cough, allergy, or sinus medications as many of them contain anti-histamines.
Decongestants without an anti-histamine (such as Sudafed), nasal steroid sprays, and Singulair are ok.
Do not stop taking any blood pressure medications or asthma medications prior to your visit.
Q. How long does allergy testing take?
Following the medical history and examination, the allergy tests are placed and are ready to interpret within 20 minutes.
Q. What should I bring to my visit?
Following the medical history and examination, the allergy tests are placed and are ready to interpret within 20 minutes.
- Referral if required
- All prescription and over-the-counter medications including herbal supplements
- Test results such as:
- Chest x-ray, CAT scan reports (actual x-rays not needed)
- Sleep study reports
- Blood work
- Medical records from your primary care doctor or specialists
Q.Do you see children and adults?
Yes, Dr. Rotskoff is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy and sees patients of all ages.
Q. Why should I make an appointment at Clarity Allergy Center?
Dr. Rotskoff has a comprehensive approach to patient care and will spend the time to make an accurate diagnosis and implement the most up-to-date treatment options for his patients.
