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Chronic care

Allergies

Learn about Allergies, symptoms to monitor and possible follow-up. See how to prepare for a consultation and when testing may be needed.

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General medical information

Updated: September 2026

About Allergies

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a substance that is usually harmless. Symptoms may involve the nose, eyes, skin, lungs or digestive system and can range from mild irritation to a medical emergency.

Symptoms can overlap between conditions. How they change, relevant health history, medications and risk factors are therefore as important as the condition name during an assessment.

Symptoms and details worth noting

Before a consultation, note the details that best describe the concern. They help the healthcare professional understand the problem and how urgent it may be.

When symptoms started and how quickly they developed
Skin, nose, eye, breathing or digestive symptoms
Possible food, medication, insect or environmental exposures
Whether this has happened before and what helped

Possible causes and context

These factors can guide an assessment, but they cannot confirm a diagnosis on their own.

Seasonal or environmental exposure
A new food, medication or personal-care product
An insect bite or sting
A personal or family history of allergies or asthma

LASO MD

How a virtual consultation may help

The healthcare professional first checks symptoms, risk factors and warning signs. Based on the assessment, they may discuss appropriate options or recommend in-person care.

Review the timing and pattern of symptoms
Look at clear photos when skin findings are present
Discuss symptom relief and exposure avoidance
Decide whether allergy testing or in-person care is appropriate

Signs that need prompt attention

Call 911 for swelling of the tongue or throat, severe trouble breathing, fainting, confusion or a rapidly worsening reaction.

What to prepare

When the symptoms began
A list of medications and allergies
Any relevant results, photos or documents available

After the assessment

Depending on the situation, the professional may offer recommendations, determine whether a prescription is clinically appropriate, or direct you to an in-person examination, testing or another care resource.

Limits of virtual care

Some conditions require a physical examination, testing, imaging or follow-up with your regular care team. An online consultation does not guarantee a diagnosis, prescription or treatment.

For severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, significant chest pain, signs of stroke, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness or immediate danger, call 911.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is Allergies?+

Can Allergies be assessed online?+

It depends on your symptoms, health history and whether a physical examination or testing is needed. The professional will tell you whether virtual care is appropriate.

What information should I prepare?+

Note when symptoms began and how they changed, your medications and allergies, measurements taken at home, and any relevant results or photos.

When is in-person care needed?+

An examination or testing may be needed when symptoms are recurrent, the trigger is unclear, breathing is affected or the reaction is not improving.

Is a prescription guaranteed?+

No. A prescription is issued only when the healthcare professional considers it safe and medically appropriate.

Reliable health resources

For further reading, consult these official health directories. This page provides general information and does not replace an individualized medical assessment.