Where Do I Start? Allergist Or Gastroenterologist?

[Montezuma]

I initially thought it was gluten intolerance, but now if I am exposed I am developing hives as well as bloating and diarrhea. My ppc isn't giving any referrals. So which direction do I head first?? The hives are somewhat alarming!

[kareng]

Will your primary doctor do a Celiac blood test?  You could go to a dermatologist and see if they will biopsy next to an active lesion.  If they are rally hives, then it sounds like you might be allergic to something.

[Cara in Boston]

There is a skin rash associated with gluten called dermatitis herpetiformis . . . google it and see if the pictures look familiar.

 

Our primary care doctor did the initial screening.  When two in the family had positive blood tests, she referred us to a GI.  From there we got diagnosed.

 

An allergist cannot diagnose Celiac.  

 

You may have an allergy (with or without celiac) so you may need to also go to an allergist.

[cahill]

In my quest to find out what was wrong with me  I saw both a GI doc and an allergist.

 

 

 With hives I would consider an allergist the first step.You could  to be allergic to wheat/gluten.

 

 

 

An allergy to wheat / gluten ( as any allergy )can be life threatening .