FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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At Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists, we’re committed to answering any and all questions you may have about your allergies, asthma, sinus conditions and more. We’ve outlined some of our most frequently asked questions to help you get on track to managing your symptoms. Check out our FAQs below!

Am I allergic to my cat?

If you suspect that your allergy symptoms are related to your cat, we’re happy to help. We can perform allergy testing to confirm if you are having reactions to your cat. From there, we can help you find the best-fit treatment so you can enjoy spending time with your cat without any pesky allergy symptoms.

To confirm if you are allergic to your dog, we can perform allergy testing here at our office. If you test positive for dogs, we can discuss the best treatment for you so you can enjoy your time with man’s best friend—without the sniffles.

Yes, we offer several treatments for cat allergies, including allergy injections and sublingual immunotherapy (oral allergy drops).

It depends on how many allergens you are tested for, but on average, allergy testing takes about 30 minutes. After we apply the allergen(s), you will receive the results 15-20 minutes afterwards.

Yes, allergy shots are a safe and very effective method for treating your allergies. The shots help build up your immunity so that your symptoms become manageable and you no longer need allergy medication.

Yes, we offer allergy drops. Allergy drops are also called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) or oral therapy and involve placing drops under your tongue to build up your immunity.

Hives are a type of rash on your skin that can appear as red, itchy bumps or welts. Hives are caused by a reaction on your skin due to exposure of an allergen.

While asthma triggers can vary based on the person, common asthma triggers include air pollution and irritants (perfumes, woodsmoke, strong smells like gasoline, etc.) common allergens such as tree pollen, gross pollen, and dust mites, and even weather/temperature changes and sometimes strong emotions. Additionally, sometimes other health conditions can contribute to asthma, such as sleep apnea.

While a food allergy does not directly cause IBS, it can cause IBS-like symptoms, such as stomach pain and bloating.

Yes, sometimes a food allergy can cause headaches or migraines. A food allergy can cause inflammation, which can lead to headaches. Allergies to foods like dairy/lactose, gluten, alcohol and chocolate can be especially triggering for headaches and migraines.

Yes! If you have indoor allergies, allergy medication can help relieve symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and itching.

If you believe mold may be causing your allergy symptoms, we can perform allergy testing for mold right here in our office. A mold allergy can cause a host of symptoms, including itching, coughing, sneezing, a stuffy nose and more.

Our allergists can both diagnose and treat allergies. They also help with sinus issues such as sinus infections, skin conditions such as eczema and more.

Have More Questions?

If you have additional questions not answered here on our FAQs page, we’re always happy to answer them during your next visit with us. Request an appointment with us, and our friendly team will get back to you as soon as possible.

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From sinus care and allergy testing to shots and asthma treatment, we help patients in Henrico, Richmond and surrounding communities breathe easier and enjoy lasting relief.