How to Treat Food Allergies

Food allergies are often confused with food intolerance. The major difference is the presence or absence of the allergic antibody against the food in the person's blood stream. True food allergies typically manifest symptoms within minutes of eating the offending food. Some symptoms can be life threatening.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Look at Food Allergy Basics

1. Know that common childhood food allergies include wheat, peanuts, soy, fish, tree nuts, egg and shellfish. Of these, allergies to peanuts, fish, shellfish and tree nuts can be life-threatening.

2. Understand the potential of cross-reactivity. This means if a person is allergic to one food within a specific food group (for instance, tree nuts), he will likely be allergic to other nuts such as cashews, walnuts and almonds.

3. Take courage in the fact that many children outgrow food allergies by about 5 years old. Following the protocol set by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), gradually introducing solid foods beginning at age 6 months, along with breast feeding, is the best means to prevent food allergies (see Resources below).

4. Recognize the possibility that an allergic reaction to a particular food may be a reaction to preservatives or other additives rather than the actual food product. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a common offender that is added to many products.

Learn to Treat Food Allergies

5. Avoid any food that causes an allergic response. Symptoms can include diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath and other serious conditions.

6. Carry an injectable epinephrine (a medication used to counteract an allergic reaction affecting the whole body) to treat an allergic reaction. Go immediately to the nearest emergency facility for follow-up care.

7. Read labels carefully to avoid consuming food substances that you know cause an allergic response. When eating at restaurants, be proactive in requesting information on the preparation of menu items.

8. Gain insight and help in coping with food allergies through support groups such as those on The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (see Resources below). Learn firsthand about treatment and prevention methods used by others with similar allergies.

9. Understand that while children often outgrow food allergies, adults usually do not.

Tips & Warnings

• Food allergies are often blamed for conditions such as migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Only a physician who specializes in allergy medicine is qualified to diagnose and treat a true allergy.
• If your child is allergic to eggs, she should not be given the influenza vaccine.

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