Food allergies occur when your body mistakes certain food for harmful germs that it considers potentially toxic, leading to allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.
Your healthcare provider can diagnose food allergy with either a skin test or blood test, as well as provide you with an epinephrine auto-injector and emergency plan if symptoms worsen.
Avoiding the Trigger Food(s)
Food allergies are immune system reactions to certain food items that can range from skin reactions such as hives or lip swelling to breathing issues or even shock, usually soon after consumption of an allergen (though delayed reactions can occur). As food allergies can be life-threatening, it is wise to keep emergency medication on hand (epinephrine auto-injector, for instance), as well as avoid foods which trigger your symptoms.
People with food allergies must consume a well-rounded, balanced diet that includes all essential vitamins and nutrients. Furthermore, it is vitally important that they consult their healthcare provider on ways to manage and prevent severe allergic reactions, including which symptoms they should look out for.
Discussing your diet with a dietitian can help ensure you and your child are receiving all of the required nutrients. Your dietitian may also suggest antihistamines to control allergic reactions and consult with your physician regarding obtaining an epinephrine prescription in case of an extreme reaction.
As well as wearing your medical alert bracelet or necklace and carrying an injector device with you at all times, including at home. Furthermore, make sure that childcare providers, teachers, school staff and any other adults who interact with your children know about any food allergies so they can ensure no one accidentally consumes allergens.
Managing Your Allergies
Food allergies can be life threatening and extremely challenging to control, with even small doses triggering severe reactions, known as anaphylaxis, often being life threatening and difficult to prevent.
Food intolerance typically causes symptoms like bloating or abdominal discomfort that are easily relieved with nonprescription antihistamines; whereas, food allergies often have widespread reactions in their wake. From mild symptoms like hives to more serious side effects like constricted airways and shock.
Your doctor will ask questions, conduct a physical exam and listen to your lungs to detect any symptoms of an allergic reaction. If symptoms are severe, they may order an oral food challenge whereby small amounts of the suspected food cause your symptoms before administering an antihistamine drug called epinephrine to stop its effects if necessary.
Within weeks of being diagnosed, take steps to clean out your pantry and refrigerator of foods containing your allergen. Seek advice from your allergist regarding reading labels to avoid products with statements like “May contain…” or “Manufactured on equipment that…” to prevent cross-contact between products containing allergens and cross-reactivity with food allergens. Likewise, both you and your child should carry a medical ID bearing details of their allergy diagnosis, allergist’s contact info, as well as an emergency plan should there be any cause.
Managing Your Child’s Allergies
Food allergies are essential to your child’s wellbeing and safety, yet can be challenging to manage. Being proactive as a parent involves discovering what your child is allergic to, informing school staff and caregivers, and being ready for any reactions that arise.
An allergic reaction occurs when your child’s immune system reacts strongly against certain foods, even small amounts. Symptoms might include hives, swelling of airways or digestive issues; sometimes symptoms may escalate into potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis reactions.
Your child’s healthcare provider will diagnose food allergies by collecting an in-depth medical history about when and how specific foods have triggered reactions, as well as performing tests to confirm this diagnosis. These may include skin testing which involves placing liquid extracts of potential allergens onto your forearm or back and pricking them to see if reddish raised spots (known as wheals) appear.
If your child’s allergy is severe, seeing a doctor may recommend allergy shots to help make him/her less sensitive over time. Your child will need to continue getting these injections for several years. Make sure your child wears an allergy medical alert bracelet/necklace that lists symptoms of an adverse reaction. Furthermore, teach the adults who care for your child how to recognize and respond to an allergic response quickly and appropriately.
Managing Yourself
Once diagnosed, it’s essential that both you and your child take steps at home to manage the allergy effectively. This may involve performing a pantry and fridge clean-out to remove foods containing allergens; when cooking at home use dedicated utensils and cutting boards for ingredients; be sure to wash your hands both before and after preparation to reduce cross-contact between ingredients.
Keep nonprescription antihistamines handy to treat symptoms of an allergic reaction, including itchy mouth and throat or difficulty breathing. In cases of a serious allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Once you have identified and eliminated allergy triggers from your diet, consult a dietitian about what alternative foods might provide the same nutrients. It’s also a good idea to speak to your provider about sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), whereby taking small doses of your allergen every day to build tolerance to it and help build tolerance to it over time.
FARE offers resources and guidance to support families living with food allergies on a lifelong journey. From learning how to manage them when dining out or traveling abroad to dating and work-related dining safety concerns, FARE can assist families along their path.
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