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Symptoms of allergies can make everyday life difficult. If you are tired of symptoms such as hay fever or watery eyes, it is worth talking to an allergist. To consult a specialist, we can use telemedicine services. We check how to prepare for an e-visit to an allergist so that the visit goes smoothly.
E-visit to an allergist – what symptoms should you go to a doctor with?
Allergy, defined as an inappropriate reaction of the immune system to numerous allergens present in the environment, may discourage you from performing daily activities due to persistent symptoms, which include:
- watery eyes
- hay fever,
- itchy nose / itchy eyes
- constant sneezing
- runny nose with a watery discharge
- dry skin.
However, it should be noted that the above allergy symptoms do not have to occur simultaneously. The frequency of occurrence, and above all their type, depends on the allergen causing the allergy.
Do you have a runny nose and your eyes itch all the time? Make an e-appointment with an allergist
In addition to inhalation allergy, you can talk to a specialist if you have noticed:
- hypersensitivity to drugs,
- chronic hives
- angioedema of unknown origin.
E-visit to an allergist – how to prepare for an interview?
Preparation for an e-visit with an allergist depends on whether it is our first meeting with a specialist or our next interview. However, there are common points for both solutions. Therefore, if we have decided to use the telemedicine service, we can choose whether we want to talk to the allergist by phone or prefer video chat.
In the case of skin symptoms (chronic urticaria or angioedema), a webcam interview will be a better solution. The doctor will be able to assess the disturbing changes that have arisen on the body. In this regard, it is worth taking care of comfortable clothing that allows you to efficiently show the selected place on the skin.
In addition, before an e-visit with an allergist, it is worth writing down the questions you would like to ask on a piece of paper. This remark applies primarily to patients who will use the telemedicine service for the first time. It may cause justified stress or stage fright. However, it should be remembered that an experienced doctor will direct the conversation in such a way that the patient feels as comfortable as possible.
Comfort will also be ensured by an appropriate environment. It is worth making sure not only that we have good coverage. During the conversation, nothing should distract the patient – noises outside the window or roommates. For this reason, it is worth choosing a room where it is quiet.
E-visit to an allergist – documents and personal data
An extremely important issue that should be remembered is the preparation of medical documentation, if we have one. Although the description of symptoms and current tests (e.g. blood counts) will be the most important for an allergist, additional documents will complete the picture. It is also worth telling the doctor about the medications you are taking and about any comorbidities.
Medical documentation can be sent to the doctor before the planned telemedicine visit. It is worth attaching photos showing changes in the skin if we have symptoms of skin allergy.
At the registration stage, questions about personal data appear, but it is possible to skip this registration step and go to the e-visit without providing them. At the beginning of the e-visit, however, the doctor should ask about the patient’s identity to verify that he is talking to the right person. In addition, personal data, including the PESEL number, will be needed to issue an e-prescription, e-certificate or e-referral for tests.
Your doctor can give you advice, suggest a treatment, prescribe a prescription, or respond to other patient needs. You can talk to an allergist within 10 minutes
E-visit to an allergist – tips for the patient
To facilitate communication between the doctor and the patient, and thus eliminate the stage fright that may accompany him during the first conversation with a specialist, below is a list of tips to improve contact between the allergist and the patient:
- write down all symptoms and circumstances in which they appear on a piece of paper (e.g. after eating certain foods, after taking medications),
- prepare medical documentation, which you will then send to the doctor before or during the e-visit,
- prepare a document with a PESEL number (it may be needed to issue an e-prescription, e-waiver or e-referral),
- make sure before your visit that you have good coverage (on the phone or computer), and that the webcam is working (if you have chosen video chat),
- dress comfortably to feel as comfortable as possible,
- choose a place where it will be quiet.