Preparing for an appointment

See your doctor if you suspect that you or your child has wheat allergy or another allergy. The doctor may refer you to a specialist in allergies (allergist) for some diagnostic tests.

What you can do

To prepare for your appointment, make a list for your doctor that includes:

• Symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to an allergy
• Your family's history of allergy and asthma, including specific types of allergies
• Medications, vitamins or supplements you or your child is taking

Also list questions to ask your doctor, such as:

• Are these symptoms likely due to an allergy?
• Will I need allergy tests?
• Should I see an allergist?
• Do I need to carry epinephrine in case of anaphylaxis?
• Do you have brochures or other printed material? What websites do you recommend for more information?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions, as well.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

• How soon after eating do symptoms appear?
• Do symptoms seem to be related to a specific food?
• For an infant, what solid foods does your baby eat?
• Have you recently introduced a new food to your baby's diet?
• Did anyone else get sick from eating the same food?
• How much of a suspected allergy-causing food was eaten?
• What other foods were eaten at or around the same time?