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.
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.
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.
Information approved by FACET's Medical Advisor
Website information should not substitute for seeking responsible, professional medical care.
First created 2012, last updated 2014
