New Allergy/Immunology Patient Information
If you are coming for an evaluation of asthma, allergic rhinitis, nasal, sinus, or other respiratory problems, you will receive the most efficient evaluation by being tested on the day of your first appointment. Skin testing is the preferred method but requires that all antihistamine medications be stopped 5 full days before testing. Non-antihistamine medicines should be continued. Some medications that are not commonly recognized as antihistamines can have strong antihistamine effects. Therefore the allergy clinic staff will need to review any medication that you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. This screening should be completed over the phone within 2 days after you make your first appointment. Please let us know about any medications you want to take that have not already cleared our screening process.
If you are coming primarily for the evaluation of skin problems such as urticaria (hives), angioedema (swelling), unexplained itching, or eczema, you probably will not need skin testing. In this case you will be better off continuing antihistamines. Also, whatever the nature of your problem, if you feel that your symptoms would be intolerable off antihistamines, you do not have to discontinue antihistamines, but then skin tests cannot be done at the first visit. Blood tests can be done instead, or skin tests can be deferred until a later date.
Please allow 2 hours for your first visit and wear a two-piece outfit with short sleeves. Dr. Zekowski will review relevant health records, particularly from other providers whom you have seen for the same problem. Please have these records mailed to us prior to your first visit. If there is not enough time to mail records you may bring the records to the visit or have the most recent portion faxed to us at (651) 275-8260.
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