Making the Most of a Doctor’s Appointment

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Whether you are new to food allergies or have been living with food allergies for a long time, the following tips will help you plan your time with your doctor.

1.    Write down a history of suspected reactions. What was ingested prior to the reaction? What symptoms occurred? Write down the timing of the food ingestion in relation to the symptoms, whether any treatment was given, as well as the response to the treatment. Don’t dismiss any symptoms because you think they are not relevant, your doctor may find these helpful.

2.    Write down any prescriptions that you or your child is taking. You may want to bring the bottles so that your doctor can see the name of the medicine as well as the dosage.

3.    Write down all of your questions and remember to bring something to take notes with at the doctor’s office. Ask all of your questions – this is your appointment.

4.    Before the appointment, find out whether you or your child needs to avoid taking antihistamines for a length of time before the scheduled appointment. This is important if skin testing will be performed.

5.    Although your doctor will likely explain these to you at your appointment, you can learn beforehand about the differences between a skin test and a blood test, both of which are used in food allergy diagnosis.

Good luck!

Editor’s Note: If you haven’t already done so, find an allergist using the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s physician referral directory or the “Find an Allergist” feature on the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website.