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How is a food allergy treated?

The best allergy treatment is to never eat the foods you are allergic to. Learn to read food labels and spot other names for problem foods. For example, milk may be listed as "caseinate," wheat as "gluten," and peanuts as "hydrolyzed vegetable protein." When you eat out or at other people’s houses, ask about the foods you are served.

If you do eat a food you are allergic to, medicines can help. You may be able to stop a mild reaction by taking over-the-counter antihistamines. You may need prescription medicines if over-the-counter drugs do not help or if they cause side effects, such as making you feel sleepy.

If you have severe food allergies, your doctor will prescribe an allergy kit that contains epinephrine (say "eh-puh-NEH-fren") and antihistamines. An epinephrine shot can slow down or stop an allergic reaction. Your doctor can teach you how to give yourself the shot.

You can have symptoms again even after you give yourself a shot. So go to the emergency room every time you have a severe reaction. You will need to be watched for at least 4 hours after the reaction.

If you have had a serious reaction in the past, your chance of having another one is high. Be prepared.

    * Keep an allergy kit with you at all times.
    * Wear a medical alert bracelet to let others know about your food allergy.
    * Check the expiration dates on the medicines in your kit, and replace them as needed.

Your child has a food allergy. What else should you think about?

Talk to your child’s school and caregivers. They should know how to keep problem foods away from your child. Teach them what to do if your child eats one of these foods by mistake.

If your child has ever had a severe reaction, keep an allergy kit nearby at all times. Some kids carry their kit in a fanny pack. Have your child wear a medical alert bracelet. Teach all caregivers to act quickly. They should:

    * Know the signs of a severe reaction.
    * Know how to give an epinephrine shot.
    * Call 911 right away.

How is a food allergy different from a food intolerance?

Many people think they have a food allergy, but in fact they have a food intolerance. Food intolerance is common. It can cause some of the same symptoms as a mild food allergy, like an upset stomach. But a food intolerance does not cause an allergic reaction. A food intolerance can make you feel bad, but it is not dangerous. A serious food allergy can be dangerous.

If you are not sure which you have, it is a good idea to see your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about food allergies:
   

    * What is a food allergy?
    * What causes a food allergy?
    * What are the symptoms of a food allergy?
    * What increases my risk of getting a food allergy?
    * What is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?
    * What else could be causing my symptoms?
    * How common are food allergies?

Being diagnosed:
   

    * When should I call my doctor?
    * How is a food allergy diagnosed?

Getting treatment:
   

    * How is a food allergy treated?
    * What medicines are used for a food allergy?
    * What is an allergy kit?

Ongoing concerns:
   

    * Can a food allergy be prevented?
    * How can I recognize problem ingredients on food labels?
    * How do I give myself an epinephrine shot?
    * How do I give a child an epinephrine shot
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