Allergist vs. pediatrician

sapphiremom13

DS (almost 11 months) has a severe dairy allergy.  We have an Epi Pen, and I feel the pedi has been on top of things and supportive.  She was the one who thought we should do actual blood testing at about 14 weeks to find out for sure.

So, my question is, should we see an allergist as well?  What is different about an allergist's appointment and treatment?  I did make an appointment, but not sure if it's truly necessary or what.  Please offer any advice or insight with your experience.  TIA. 

tnd81

I'm not sure why others see an allergist. My pedi was really on top of it also and suggested we see one too. I'm not sure why, maybe because I'm dealing with 5 allergies? I love our allergist tho, she's very into new research and doing clinical trials with my daughter - which has been amazing because we just recently found out my DD can tolerate baked milk. So reasons like that its been worth it for us. They're also good if you're dealing with eczema and other conditions related to the allergy. 

EmR22

That is awesome that your pedi is on top of it, I just think a lot of them aren't. I think that an allergist would probably be most up to date on methods, trials, new research since it is their speciality. So for that reason it probably won't hurt to touch base with an allergist. We did have to deal with skin issues and food challenges and that was out of the realm of our pediatrician.     

lrn327

Agreed that it's great your pedi is up on allergies, but like PPs said, most aren't.  I love our pedi, but he definitely refers management of allergies out.  For many people, managing allergies is a long-term relationship with their provider and it's best to be cared for by someone that is really up on all of the up and coming research and treatments.  All the best, while we are still allergic to peanuts and lentils, DS just outgrew his milk allergy and we celebrated with a cupcake and cow's milk party (just our family) last week.  :-)

magdusia

personally my pedi missed a lot of signs regarding my sons allergies so we feel more comfortable going to someone that specializes in allergies.  They have the latest research and know more than a pedi about allergies.  But if you're comfortable with your pedi than i can't see why you should go see an allergist.  

I personally feel more comfortable going to see someone that specializes in food allergies and can associate more.  

sapphiremom13

Thank you for all of the responses!  I think  I probably would feel even better about meeting with a specialist.  One of the reasons that I asked is that for some stupid reason, I kind of worry about hurting our pedi's feelings.  I mentioned it to her at our 9 month appointment, and she just said "we can certainly go that route if you want" which made me sort of second guess myself.  I do have lots of questions too, that she probably can't answer.  I don't even know why I am worried about that- if he had a heart condition, or something else, I would definitely be seeking the advice of a specialist.  I just wish she was more like some of your pedis, who want their patients to see the allergist!  

LSU628

My first pedi kept telling me DD just had reflux even though she was screaming, spitting up profusely and was covered head to toe in a rash. I got sick of it and listened to my mommy gut. I took DD to my derm who did a skin biopsy (he couldn't get the eczema to clear with traditional treatments) and he referred us to the allergist. The pedi was also the one who tried to tell me she didn't need to be on Elecare, that I should just put her on soy. Needless to say we don't use that pedi anymore.
Our current pedi is great, asks a lot of questions, but always refers to the allergist when it comes to decisions about making changes re:diet. He didn't know that things like coconut milk yogurt, or Earth's best butter subs existed. Like a pp mentioned he's great with all things illness/development related but allergies aren't his specialty.

surprise3rd

My pedi was not very pro-active with the allergy thing and told me my baby was just a 'splotchy' baby because of her peaches and cream skin.  She told me to put her on Almond milk...she got hives...now I just called and made an appointment with the allergist and called the pedi to ask them to fax over a referall.  I may be looking for a new pedi.

fancynewbeesly

Our pedi referred us to an allergist at about a year, due to eczema not clearing up and a suspected allergic reaction to pineapple (it was coincidence). 

He always was proactive with us using an allergist. His own daughter has food allergies too--so it wasn't like he wasn't familiar with them, but wanted us to get her a full work up on allergy testing.