When to see a doctor
When starting to experience symptoms, questions generally
arise about what’s causing this and what can be done to help. Or it could just
be that you have had these symptoms for a while now and you just are tired of
it. It seems that with a condition like hay fever you don’t necessarily need to
see the doctor until you choose to. What may be some things to prompt you
though?
One reason to see a doctor is if your hay fever is
disrupting your quality of life. This can include a variety of things such as
missing work or school, not getting enough sleep, or even just getting in the
way of your favorite activities.
Another reason that you should see a doctor is for possible
complications or exacerbations of other conditions commonly associated with hay
fever. The most common are sinusitis, nasal polyps, asthma, and eczema.
Sinusitis-
an inflammation of the sinuses that is associated with infections that can
either be bacterial, fungal, or viral. Symptoms are similar to that of the
common cold that don’t reside or even worsen after 5-7 days. This can include
loss of smell or taste, nasal congestion, headache, sore throat, nasal
discharge, fever and fatigue
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Sinusitis X Ray |
Nasal
Polyps- inflammation of tissue lining the nasal passageway causing sac-like
growths. Symptoms include similar feelings of a having a persistent cold (up to
months or years), mouth breathing, nasal obstruction, loss of smell, runny
nose.
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Nasal Polyps |
Asthma-
a condition where the airways of the lungs can become swollen and narrow, or
bronchoconstriction. The most common symptoms are chest tightness,
wheezing, shortness of breath, and
coughing. Depending on severity of symptoms, asthma can lead to an emergency
situation and you must seek help immediately.
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Bronchiole- Normal vs Asthmatic |
Eczema-
a hypersensitivity reaction on the skin resulting in itchy and/or scaly
rashes. Symptoms include skin
changes resulting in blisters with oozing and crusting, ear discharge/bleeding,
itchiness, skin color changes, skin redness/inflammation around blisters, and
thickened or leather-like areas on the skin.
![]() |
Eczema lesion on hand |
On your visit…
Make sure you list your symptoms which includes ones that
are old and new. Tell your doctor about lifestyle changes you had to make in
order to accommodate these symptoms and what you have done to help alleviate.
Make sure to include all medications (OTC, prescription, and even herbal
remedies). Depending on severity and types of symptoms you may have allergy
skin testing or even see a ENT (ear nose and throat) specialists. Also, make
sure to write down questions you might have prior to your visit and don’t be
afraid to ask.
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