Reasons People Come To Us
An allergist's office sees a wide range of problems. Asthma, hayfever, as well as food and pet allergies are the first things that come to mind. However, our patients often come to us with allergies to dust, molds, insect stings, cosmetics and even medication. Patients are often referred to us by their primary care physician with symptoms that suggest an allergic condition. These include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, sinus infections and headaches, hives, chronic ear infections, bronchitis, recurring sore throat, itchy rashes, and possibly hyperactivity.
The Office Visit
You'll spend about an hour with us during your first visit as we take a careful medical history and get to know you. You will also have a physical examination during this first visit and we may draw some blood for analysis.
You may also have an allergy skin test to determine what you are allergic to, and it is possible you may also have a lung function test to help discover if you have asthma. If you do have asthma, our sophisticated Pulmonary Function equipment can also help determine its severity and follow the progress of your treatment.
After the tests are done, you'll have a thorough meeting with the doctor where he or she will begin giving you information about medication, diet and controlling your environment. This is where you should ask all of your questions.
Patients should make regular appointments during their first two years of care (about once every two to three months) so we can measure progress and adjust medications.
About Diagnosis
Finding the cause of an allergic reaction is the most important step in controlling it. While diagnostic techniques have gotten more sophisticated over the years, the traditional alllergy skin test is still the most accurate and efficient. Contrary to popular belief, the tests are not painful, just mildly uncomfortable. The skin test comes in a quickly applied "multitest" version, which further reduces discomfort and is ideal for small children. Some patients may have the "RAST" allergy blood test instead.
About Treatment
Once we know the cause of the problem, the first step is to eliminate it from the patient's environment. For example, if you're allergic to a particular food, avoiding that food is a simple way to treat the problem. However, the cause is not always so easily removed. This is the case with dust mites, which are everywhere. But with protective items such as a special mattress or pillow case covers, you can significantly reduce your exposure to dust mites. If you're allergic to a favorite pet, there are measures you can take (short of giving away the animal) that may help with your symptoms.
Beyond environmental controls, there are many medications available to combat symptoms and allow patients to lead a normal, comfortable life. The staff of Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida, of course, is well-versed on all the latest treatments. We even participate in research studies on medications that have not yet hit the market.
About Shots
Allergy injections are such a common treatment in an allergist's office that we make it as easy as possible for patients to get their shots. No appointment is necessary and patients may drop in any time during specified hours to get their injection.
Emergencies
One great advantage of being a patient at a large practice is that an allergist is always available in an emergency. Should an emergency occur when the offices are closed, call (305) 595-0109, and a doctor will get back to you immediately.
Patient Responsibilities
We need your help in maintaining an efficient, high-quality operation. So, we make the following requests:
Please try to be on time for your appointment. This will assure that other patients, with later appointments, will be seen in a timely fashion.
Let us know as soon as possible if you must cancel your appointment. It is likely that another patient will be eager to take your appointed time.
Do not wear perfume or other fragrances when coming to the office. It may cause an allergic reaction in other patients who follow you.
Bring a list of your current medications and treatments when you come to the office.
And please remember, if you have insurance, to bring your insurance card and referral paperwork if needed.
