Once the correct diagnosis is made, the most important factor in the successful management of food allergies is avoidance of the foods which are problematic. Without careful planning, the risk of an accidental exposure is high, which in turn can be fatal. Unfortunately, this is a difficult process, but if done consistently, it will become much easier.
Most importantly, do not eat anything until you know exactly what is in it. I can't tell you how many times someone has come to the office stating they had an allergic reaction because they assumed the food they were eating was allergen free, but they never double checked themselves to be sure. You must read food labels carefully. If there is no label available, it's probably best to avoid eating that particular food.
While the labeling of food ingredients has improved in recent years, the person with a food allergy, as well as the care giver and family members should examine food labels consistently in order to find possible hidden ingredients. Even foods which have been purchased for years should be examined each time they are purchased, as the manufacturer may elect to change their recipe at anytime, resulting in the possible addition of an ingredient you are allergic to.
Avoidance can be easy in the comfort of one’s home, but it is much more difficult in other areas, such as friend’s houses, schools, restaurants, and other public places. In fact, most fatal and near-fatal food allergic reactions occur
away from home. These steps can help minimize the risks:
Always carry your epinephrine auto-injector with you. Because 1 dose may not be enough, it is recommended that you carry 2 doses with you (1 Twinject , 2 Auvi-Q, 2 adrenaclicks, or 2 Epipens) at all times.
Learn how to use your auto-injector before you have a reaction. The time to learn is not when you are having symptom!
Have a plan and teach your family, friends, and co-workers how to use the injectors in case you are not able to administer a dose yourself.
Don’t assume your friends, child’s teacher, sitter, or caregiver knows how to use an epinephrine auto-injector—go through all the steps with them. If you have some expired epinephrine auto-injectors laying around, you can practice using them on an orange to get a feel of how they really work.
Do not delay in seeking help. You should always seek emergency treatment (IE. Call 911) when you have an allergic reaction.
Get a medic alert (you can get medic alert bracelets from various places including medic alert or American Medical ID) and don't forget to wear it!
They definitely can. Treatment options include food oral immunotherapy (OIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops).
(click on the links above for more information on food allergy treatments)
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