Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in allergies (allergist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

• Write down your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
• Keep notes about any exposure to latex, when it occurred and what type of reaction you had.
• Write down key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes.
• Make a list of all medications you're taking, including vitamins and supplements.
• Take a family member or friend, if possible. He or she may remember something that you missed or forgot.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Preparing a list of questions before your appointment will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For latex allergy, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
• What are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
• What tests do I need?
• What's the best treatment?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
• How can I avoid contact with latex?
• Are there brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions, as well.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

• When did your symptoms begin?
• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Do you have allergies, such as hay fever or allergies to certain foods?
• Is there a history of allergies in your family?
• Have you been exposed to latex products?
• If you had symptoms after wearing latex gloves, how long did it take for the symptoms to develop?
• What surgeries have you had and when?

What you can do in the meantime

If you suspect you have a latex allergy, try to avoid contact with anything that contains latex.