How to prepare for a video visit about Seasonal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)

Audience: adult

Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion during certain times of the year. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your symptoms and discuss ways to manage them. To get the most from your telemedicine appointment, prepare by noting your symptoms, any triggers you have noticed, and the treatments you have tried. During the visit, your provider may ask about your medical history and symptom patterns to suggest possible treatments or further testing. While telemedicine can guide you on managing allergies and when to seek in-person care, it cannot perform physical exams or allergy tests remotely. If you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or swelling, seek emergency care immediately. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for seasonal allergies.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat — call emergency services right away.
• Severe dizziness or fainting — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and their timing.
• Reviewing your medical history related to allergies.
• Providing advice on over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle changes.
• Determining if in-person evaluation or allergy testing is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or nasal inspections.
• Conducting allergy skin or blood tests.
• Administering emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions.
• Prescribing controlled substances without in-person evaluation.

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, happen when your immune system reacts to pollen or other allergens in the air. This causes symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and sometimes coughing. These symptoms often occur during specific seasons when pollen levels are high.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, write down your symptoms and when they occur. Note any possible triggers like outdoor activities, pets, or dust. List any medications or treatments you have used, including over-the-counter remedies. Make sure your device is charged and you have a quiet place for the visit.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, their timing, and any triggers. They may discuss your medical history and any other health conditions. While they cannot perform a physical exam or allergy tests through video, they can suggest treatments or recommend in-person testing if needed.

Managing Seasonal Allergies

Treatment often includes avoiding known triggers, using antihistamines, nasal sprays, or other medications. Your provider may suggest lifestyle changes or over-the-counter options. If symptoms are severe or persistent, they may recommend seeing a specialist.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe dizziness, seek emergency medical care immediately. These signs may indicate a serious allergic reaction requiring urgent treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your allergy symptoms and when they occur.
• Note any known or suspected triggers.
• Write down all medications and treatments you have tried.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the video visit.
• Have your identification and any relevant medical records ready.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan or advice given by your provider.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended for allergy testing.
• Seek emergency care if severe symptoms develop.
• Contact your provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

FAQs

What causes seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies are caused by your immune system reacting to pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds during certain times of the year. This reaction leads to symptoms like sneezing and congestion.

Can my provider diagnose allergies through a video visit?

While your provider can discuss your symptoms and medical history during a video visit, they cannot perform physical exams or allergy tests remotely. They may recommend in-person testing if needed.

What treatments can I use for seasonal allergies?

Common treatments include antihistamines, nasal sprays, and avoiding allergens. Your provider can suggest over-the-counter options and lifestyle changes during your video visit.

When should I seek emergency care for allergies?

Seek emergency care if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or severe dizziness. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

How can I reduce my allergy symptoms at home?

Try to stay indoors when pollen counts are high, keep windows closed, use air purifiers, and avoid known triggers. Regular cleaning can also help reduce allergens in your environment.

Sources

1. Seasonal Allergies — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Allergic Rhinitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Allergic Rhinitis — National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate medical attention or consult a healthcare provider in person.