if you’re working with a doctor, dermatologist, allergist, dietitian, or other allergy specialist to help with your child’s allergies, there are a few simple tips you can use to get the most from their help. These professionals know a lot about allergies and how to treat them – but there’s only so much they can learn about your unique child in a short office visit. The good news is that giving your allergy professional tons of helpful information is simple – and it will help them diagnose and treat your child’s allergies with greater speed and accuracy.
Keep A Journal
Grab a plain notebook and take note of when your child’s allergies seem to get worse, flare up, or go away. Note what they ate, what activities they were ding, what time of the day it was, and any other important information you can think of. This can help establish patterns and reveal the sources of allergies or their triggers that you may have not noticed otherwise
Notice The Small Stuff
Snacks, foods, activities, locations, time of day, and sleep patterns can all influence allergies and the immune system as a whole. Keep a note of these things to see if any of them cause problems for your child.
Ask Questions
Many parents feel helpless and at the mercy of their allergy professionals. If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask! Your doctor or other health care professional is there to take care of you and your family! The more questions you ask, the more you’ll learn, and the better care you’ll be able to take of your child. Most health professionals are thrilled to answer questions and will share more in-depth information with you if you ask for it.
Do Your Research
There’s nothing wrong with getting a second opinion. Once your professional has given a diagnosis or treatment, jump online and see what other parents’ experiences have been. Learn as much as you can and use this information to help your child heal faster. If you aren’t happy with the information or treatment being offered by the health care professional you are seeing – go to someone else! You can’t hurt your doctors feelings by getting a second opinion.
Follow these simple tips to get the most up-to-date information from your allergy specialists and to help your child feel great fast!
For more great information about helping your child with their allergies, visit the official ScratchMeNot information pages <HERE>