Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee
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      • Milk
      • Egg
      • Soy
      • Wheat
      • Peanut
      • Tree Nut
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Treatment and managing reactions

 Strict avoidance is the only way to prevent a food allergy reaction.  Reading food labels or contacting companies to learn all ingredients is key in avoiding a reaction.  Someone with food allergies should never eat food that does not have a label. 

Talk with your doctor about what your individual treatment plan should be for your allergies.  FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) provides a
Food Allergy Emergency Care Plan.  Work with your doctor to fully understand your action plan.

Localized or contact allergic reactions that have not progressed beyond mild symptoms only (such as itching, hives, and rashes) are often treated with antihistamines or topical steroids. 

Epinephrine (also called adrenaline) is used to treat severe reactions.  Your doctor will prescribe this medication, if it is needed.  Epinephrine is available in an auto-injector.  There are a few varieties of auto-injectors on the market, EpiPen®, Auvi-Q®, or Adrenaclick®, as well as some generic options.  Talk with your doctor about which would be best for you.  Use Epinephrine at the first sign of an allergic reaction and then call 911.  You should always go to the emergency room for further evaluation and treatment, even if symptoms have subsided.  In some cases, symptoms go away, and come back hours later.  This is called a “biphasic reaction” and why it is important to go to the emergency room for evaluation.

If your doctor prescribes epinephrine, it is important that you know how to use it. 
  • Practice with the training devices that are provided. 
  • Teach your family and friends about your allergies, what signs to look for, and how to assist if you have a reaction. 
  • Go over your Food Allergy Emergency Care Plan with them in detail. 
  • Read all instructions provided by the manufacturer. 
  • Epinephrine is temperature sensitive and should not be left in extreme heat or cold, such as being left in a vehicle. 
  • Like other prescription medications, Epinephrine will expire.  Check your expiration dates and be sure to get a refill, when needed. 
  • Keep it with you at all times - carry two (2).     



Prevention and Preparedness

Remember the first line of defense against food allergies is to prevent a reaction by avoiding the allergen. 
If prevention fails and there is accidental exposure, preparedness is key. 
Always carry your medication with you, use it at the first sign of a reaction and then call 911.
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Information approved by FACET's Medical Advisor

Website information should not substitute for seeking responsible, professional medical care.
First created 2012, last updated 2014


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By using this site, you are agreeing to the terms of use stated. If you do not agree with terms below, please  do not use this site.
 The content on this web site and any information presented by FACET is for informational purposes only and NOT a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 
The authors are not offering individual medical advice; this material is for reference only. A physician or other qualifying medical professional should always be consulted for medical advice/diagnosis.
The authors of this web site; anyone associated with FACET as members, advocates, leaders, or advisors; Friends of FACET and/or anyone involved with the production of this web site are not responsible, and do not assume responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, illness, death, or otherwise negative impact that may occur after reading and using the information on this web site.


If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately and follow up with a physician.
  • About FACET
    • Become a Member
    • Mission and Goals
    • Our Leadership
    • FACET Advocate Blog
  • Support
    • Our Support Groups >
      • Lil' Champs
      • Champions
      • Support Network (Links)
    • Special Events for Kids >
      • Safe Egg Hunt
      • Summer Camp
      • Happy Halloween
      • Walk for Food Allergy
    • School Setting
    • Family & Friends
    • Dining Out
    • Grocery shopping
    • Holiday Safety
    • Recommended Reading
  • Education
    • Our Advisory Council >
      • Ask the Allergist!
    • #TealPumpkinProject >
      • FA Safety Tips
    • Educational Presentations
    • Food Allergy Basics
    • Symptoms of Reaction
    • Anaphylaxis
    • Diagnosis and Testing
    • Treatment and Managing Reactions
    • Labeling the Top 8 Food Allergens >
      • Milk
      • Egg
      • Soy
      • Wheat
      • Peanut
      • Tree Nut
      • Shellfish
      • Fish
  • Advocacy
    • Awareness Week
    • Stock Epinephrine (Schools)
    • Restaurant Standards & Training
    • Research & Advancing a Cure
    • Food Allergy Blogs
  • Contact Us
    • *Find us on Facebook here!
  • Donate!