Thanks to extreme weather, pollen counts are much higher in some years than others — making people who are prone to seasonal allergies more miserable than usual, and probably pushing some who have never gone to an allergist before to schedule a visit.

Allergy doctors, or allergists, are physicians who specialize in treating allergies and related conditions. But what exactly are the benefits of going to an allergist as opposed to your internist or general practitioner for help with your sniffles and sneezes?

For one thing, allergists have completed at least nine years of training to become specialists in allergy and immunology, which is the study of the body's immune system, or defense system against infection. Allergy doctors also specialize in treating asthma, says Julie McNairn, MD, an allergist/immunologist in Cincinnati.

In addition to asthma, allergists are trained to deal with a variety of conditions that are related to allergies, including:

  • Allergic rhinitis (also called "hay fever")
  • Sinusitis (inflammation of the nasal sinuses)
  • Common ear infections
  • Atopic dermatitis (eczema, for example)
  • Hives
  • Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)

If you have been diagnosed with an allergy, your doctor may recommend that you see an allergist. Visiting any doctor for the first time can be intimidating, so it may help to learn what to expect on your first visit.

Preparing for Your First Allergist Appointment

When you first visit an allergist, he or she will talk with you about your allergy-related symptoms and medical history. You can prepare yourself for this first meeting by writing down that information and any questions you have.

Usually, the allergist will perform allergen testing, either using skin tests or blood tests.

  • Skin tests: These tests expose your skin to potential allergens to determine if you are allergic to them. In a skin prick or scratch test, a small amount of the suspected allergen is introduced into your skin through a small puncture or skin abrasion. If, within 15 minutes, you have a small spot of redness and swelling where the allergen was introduced, you are allergic to the substance. Intradermal skin testing is similar to skin prick or scratch testing but is more sensitive because the allergen is injected under the skin with a syringe.
  • Blood tests (RAST, or radioallergosorbent test): These tests look for specific antibodies in the blood that would signal that an allergy is present. Skin tests are more common than blood tests, but blood tests can be used when skin testing is not possible (for instance, if you are taking certain medications or have a skin condition that would interfere with the skin test).

In addition to checking for an allergy, allergists can determine if you have asthma. "Typically, allergists are going to look for asthma and asthma-type symptoms," says Dr. McNairn.

Once your allergist diagnoses your allergy or other condition, the allergist will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment may involve medications, lifestyle modifications, or immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Important Questions for Your Allergy Doctor

When you visit an allergist, you may want to ask the following questions:

  • What are some of the things that might trigger my allergy or asthma?
  • How do you suggest I avoid these allergy triggers?
  • What are the treatment options for my allergy or asthma?
  • What side effects have been associated with these treatments?
  • Is there anything I can change in my environment (such as home cleaning or avoidance of particular places) to improve my allergy or asthma symptoms or reduce my chances of an allergic reaction?
  • Is immunotherapy an option for me? What would that entail?

But remember: The more information you share with your allergist, the better your treatment and the results could be. So, take some time before you go to write down the following information:

  • Symptoms: List when your allergy symptoms started and whether they’re year-round or seasonal. If you think you know what causes your symptoms, write it down.
  • Drugs: Record everything you've taken, now and in the past — prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Include anything that you think has helped your allergy symptoms and whether you are allergic to any drugs.
  • Allergy history: Note if you've been treated for allergies before, especially if you've been taken to a hospital because of allergies.

"Education is one of the things allergists do best," says McNairn. They can provide even more with a little help from you.