Understanding your diagnosis

During your appointment:

Ask questions: You can ask health professionals anything that you would like to know or are concerned about. If you are not sure what to ask, you can start with:

• What training or education is available for myself and my family/community on how to manage my condition?
• Who should I contact if my condition changes? (in a non-emergency situation)
• If I have questions following my appointment, how can I contact you?
• When will my condition be next reviewed?

Ask your doctor to explain again: Do not be afraid to ask your doctor or health professional to explain things again in a way that makes sense to you.

Take notes: Write things down while you are at your appointment so you can read it again later. This can help you remember important information.

Ask for written information: Ask for information either printed out or online that helps explain your allergy, treatment and any diet and lifestyle changes you need to make. This may include an Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Action, Management or Treatment Plan, factsheets or links to websites like this one.

Make a follow-up appointment: Make an appointment with your GP to discuss any other questions or concerns you might have after you have had time to think about the information given by the doctor that diagnosed your allergy.

If your GP doesn’t know, write your question down to ask your specialist at your next appointment, or you can call the National Allergy Helpline to speak to an allergy educator or contact us online.

After your appointment:

Use reliable sources: It is important to look for reliable information that is evidence-based. This means information that is proven by research and published in medical journals by experts in allergy. Reliable sources of information include:

• Public hospital websites
• Government health agencies, such as Health Direct
• Recognised allergy organisations, such as ASCIA and this one.

Be careful of information that comes from personal blogs or social media. There is some incorrect or unhelpful information online.

• An experience which someone shares online might not apply to you or may not have been managed well
• Information shared through social media may not be evidence based or could even be fake content.

If you find information that changes the way you feel about or manage your allergy, you can talk to your doctor for advice.

Support organisations: Subscribe to us here or join a support organisation for people with allergic conditions that is recommended by ASCIA. Check that the organisation has a medical advisory board. A medical advisory board is a good sign that the organisation is evidenced-based and sharing accurate information.

Support from family and friends: It can be helpful to explain your diagnosis and what support you need to the people around you. To help them get a better understanding on how they can support you, suggest they visit this website, do free online ASCIA training or call the National Allergy Helpline to speak to an allergy educator or contact us online. Sometimes family or friends may offer advice which is not correct or suggest treatments which are not evidence-based.

Support groups: Some support organisations or health services offer support groups. These could be in person or online. Sharing experiences and tips with others who understand what you are going through can be helpful. Be mindful that some support groups are not moderated and some information and advice shared may not be evidence-based. If you do not feel supported or a group makes your feel more worried, speak with you doctor or call the National Allergy Helpline to speak to an allergy educator or contact us online.