ask for a referral to a peds allergist? (milk intolerance)

Just wondered if anyone has had any experience with pediatric allergists. I'm in unfamiliar territory here.

This may be TMI, but...

DS has had diarrhea for several weeks, probably due to switching from raw goat's milk to pasteurized cow's milk after the move. We have our first regular peds appt on Sept 29. I didn't think I could get in with the new ped sooner than that, so I have an appt on Tues. at the peds urgent care clinic. I have a great fear of receiving a quick-fix solution, and thereafter being lost in the system.

So I'm trying to decide whether DS has enough problems and enough of a family history to ask for a referral to a pediatric allergist. He has early signs of reactive airway disease (asthma precursor), consistent eczema, plus the new milk intolerance. My mom has a LOT of food allergies, including milk. And she had childhood asthma that has developed into serious respiratory problems.

What do you think? Would you request a referral in this case? I also wonder whether a peds allergist would even be able to help anyway.

[DCJenn]

Re: ask for a referral to a peds allergist? (milk intolerance)

Why wouldn't the peds allergist help? they can at the minimum figure out exactly what if anything your son is allergic or sensitive to- and once you know that, you'll be on the way. Listen to your instincts- allergies do have a string familial relationship so take that and run with it. Too bad you're not military because we have a GREAT one heading to DC.

Jenn

Re: ask for a referral to a peds allergist? (milk intolerance)

Too bad you're not military because we have a GREAT one heading to DC.

Yeah - I looked it up online, and the options seem limited here. But I only need one, so hopefully the one here is good.

My hesitation was because I wasn't sure this was really an allergy thing (as opposed to just a digestive problem, if that makes sense). I didn't know if a milk intolerance would warrant a trip to an allergist. But you're right - my instinct is that he's headed down the same path as my mom, and I want it headed off early. I guess it never hurts to ask for the referral.

Thanks for the reply!

[MDPhDWife]

Re: ask for a referral to a peds allergist? (milk intolerance)

I don't see the harm in getting your child at least evaluated by an allergist. In May DD had what appeared to be an asthma attack (scared the hell out of us) and our peditrician gave us a referral to the allergist. You are right, the options are very limited here. I called right away and we are booked for September.

I would call right away since the appointments are so far out. PM me if you want the name and number of the one we're going to.

Re: ask for a referral to a peds allergist? (milk intolerance)

Thanks for the name, Charlene.

We got our referral to the peds allergist today with hardly any persuading at all. I don't know who it will be (they'll call us in a couple days to schedule), but hopefully this will help.