How often should I see my doctor after an allergy diagnosis?

How often should I see my doctor after an allergy diagnosis?

Harold Kaiser (Practicing Allergist and Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School) gives expert video advice on: What questions should I ask my doctor after getting an allergy diagnosis?; How soon will I start to feel better after taking allergy medication?; Can I be cured of my allergies? and more...

It depends on the nature of the allergy and the severity and the seasonality and some other things that go on. Typically, if one sees a physician for a diagnosis and evaluation and started on medication for allergies, it would not be unreasonable to say, "I'd like to see you again in a few weeks or in the next three months." If the medication or the treatment is fine, good. If not, modification can be done at that time. I also tell patients, "Call me whenever you think and we'll handle some things over the phone if we can." If the patient is doing well on the return visit and several weeks or a month or two or three, then I'd typically say, "I'll see you about twice a year or more frequently if necessary." If a patient has a more severe medical problem, such as asthma and is taking a stronger medication with a potential for side affects, such as inhaled corticoid steroids, or other strong medications, then I say, "I think we should see each other initially in about three months and then probably two to three times a year, or whenever you think necessary. And, whenever you think necessary is when you're not comfortable with the way things are going."