Many individuals should see an allergist to determine whether they have a wheat allergy. Here are some things to think about.
Wheat has become a dietary problem for many individuals who end up needing to see an allergist. Difficulties with this grain product can affect adults or children. When a person first suspects that they or their children have developed allergic reactions related to this food,
they should probably make an appointment with their family doctor or pediatrician. This general practitioner will commonly refer his or her patients to a specialist who focuses on allergic reactions. Here are some things to think about:
- Initial appointment: It’s important to be prepared during the initial appointment. It’s helpful to make up a list with information to ask about and pass on. Writing things downs helps to organize thoughts and keeps individuals from forgetting to mention important details during the consultation. Lists should include the medications and vitamins you or your youngster is taking, any known history of other allergies and what the symptoms and reactions to wheat are.
- Questions for the doctor: It’s also important to be prepared with a list of questions for you to ask your physician. Some typical questions may include:
o What is the chance this is an allergic reaction?
o What tests will need to be done?
o How long before I know if there are negative or positive results to the test?
o What are the long term ramifications?
o What dietary alterations will need to be made?
o Do you have reading material such as flyers, brochures, books or websites to lend or recommend?
- Questions your allergist may ask you:
o If the patient is a baby, the doctor may ask about the solid foods that have been introduced and in what order.
o He or she may inquire about the length of time after eating that the reaction takes place.
o He or she may ask how much of the wheat product was consumed.
o He or she may want to know what other foods were eaten with the grain.
o The MD may ask if other family members have had the same reaction to the product.
- Tests: Your physician will likely administer various tests in order to gather information.
o Blood test: Drawing blood from a patient is one way that screening for specific information can be carried out. Antibodies and wheat proteins can be researched via the blood.
o Skin testing: With this technique, the allergist would inject miniscule amounts of the suspected products into the skin. In less than a half hour, red bumps or itchy spots will develop if the person is indeed allergic to the item.
o Food diaries and elimination diets: Keeping a detailed food diary with reactions following eating certain items is a helpful way of gathering information. Eliminating specific foods from one’s diet and notating the reactions can be another effective method of gaining insight.
Having allergies isn’t fun and some reactions can be severe and harmful. By making an appointment with a competent allergist, a plan can be devised to live with the limitations of abstaining from wheat products as well as learning how to cope.
