Knowing that you have only a few minutes with a pediatrician means you need to show up prepared. Write down your concerns and questions, and make sure you go over them before you see the doctor. Explain the symptoms in detail, and it doesn't hurt to rehearse a few times. This way, you won't be stumbling for words when your child is fussing and the doctor is reaching for the door.

Be persistent and do your research. Having the right questions prepared can mean the difference between receiving a rushed diagnosis or getting more testing. Take this sheet with you, and add your own concerns. Also, remember to take notes while the pediatrician is there. That way, you can go over them later with your spouse when your memory is faded from the busy day.

  1. Are there preventative methods I should undertake, such as dusting or vacuuming?
     
  2. Do pets make allergies worse, and which ones are the ones to avoid?
     
  3. What tests can we be done to determine which allergies my child has?
     
  4. What symptoms made your diagnosis certain?
     
  5. What are the differences between cold symptoms and allergies?
     
  6. What over-the-counter medication do you recommend for my child's allergies?
     
  7. Do you recommend shots (immunotherapy) for my child's allergies?
     
  8. What are your thoughts on alternative (i.e., holistic, natural) methods of treating allergies?
     
  9. Does my child need to wear a medical bracelet or carry an epinephrine dose?
     
  10. How do I know when it's necessary to take my child to the doctor with allergy symptoms?
     
  11. When should my child see an allergy specialist?

The allergy test a pediatrician can order is a blood test called ImmunoCAP Childhood Allergy Profile. It can test for the following triggers:

  • Cat
  • Cockroach
  • Dog
  • Egg white
  • Fish, cod
  • Dust mite
  • Milk
  • Outdoor mold
  • Peanut
  • Soybean
  • Wheat

Your pediatrician can also run a regional profile test that will test for outside triggers native to your area, such as (in Southern California) ragweed, oak, sycamore, and walnut.

If seasonal allergies run in the family, your child may be affected by them. However, it's always good to know what's causing your child's reactions. You may want to eliminate some possible causes before the doctor appointment. If her nose is congested and it's winter, it may be that your heater has dried out the air and irritated her nose. In that case, a simple saline solution nasal spray or an indoor humidifier may help. If your child has coughing along with her symptoms, and it gets worse at night, it may be a sign of asthma. Asthma can be triggered by seasonal change, so make sure to mention that if it's a problem. Seeing the pediatrician with the right preparation will set you on a proactive path to keeping your child healthy and happy.

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