Food Allergies - Treatment Overview

Treatment Overview

The best treatment for food allergies is to avoid the food that causes the allergy. When that is not possible, you can use medicines such as antihistamines for mild reactions and the medicines in an allergy kit for serious reactions.

It's important to take special care with children who have food allergies. A child with severe food allergies may have a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction to even a tiny amount of a food allergen. Your child should always wear a medical alert bracelet and carry an allergy kit. Make sure that all caregivers (school administrators, teachers, friends, coaches, and babysitters):

• Know about your child's food allergy.
• Can recognize the symptoms of a food allergy.
• Know where the allergy kit is kept and how to give the epinephrine shot.
• Know to call 911 immediately.

Children may have only mild symptoms in the first few minutes after they eat the food allergen, but they may develop severe symptoms in 10 to 60 minutes. Children always should be observed in a hospital for at least 4 hours after a reaction.

Initial treatment

Initial treatment for a food allergy consists of identifying the food that causes the allergy and learning how to deal with both mild and serious reactions.

The most effective treatment for food allergies is to avoid the food in any form. Tell your family, friends, and coworkers that you have a food allergy, and ask them to help you avoid the food. Read all food labels, and learn the other names that may be used for food allergens. For example, milk may be listed as "caseinate," eggs as "albumin," wheat as "gluten," and peanuts as "hydrolyzed vegetable protein."

If your baby has a milk or soy allergy, your doctor may suggest changing the formula or breast-feeding exclusively. Specially prepared formulas are available for infants with soy and milk allergies.

If you or your child has mild allergies, nonprescription antihistamines may control the symptoms. You may need prescription antihistamines if nonprescription antihistamines don't help or if they cause bothersome side effects, such as drowsiness.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, your initial treatment may be administered in an emergency room or by emergency personnel. You will be given a shot of epinephrine to stop the further release of histamine and to relax the muscles that help you breathe. You will then be prescribed an allergy kit that contains a syringe of epinephrine and antihistamine tablets. Your doctor or pharmacist will teach you how to give yourself a shot. You will always need to have an allergy kit with you. You should also wear a medical alert bracelet or other jewelry that lists your food allergies. You can order medical alert jewelry through most pharmacies or on the Internet.

For more information about the shot, see:

Giving an epinephrine shot.

Allergy kits with doses appropriate for children are available. Children at risk of a severe allergic reaction should keep kits at school or day care as well as at home. Be sure your child's school administrator, teachers, and friends know about the food allergy. They should be trained to give the shot and call 911 immediately. Older, mature children should be taught to give themselves the shot. For more information, see:

Giving a child an epinephrine shot.

Ongoing treatment

Ongoing treatment involves continuing to avoid foods that cause allergies and being aware of any new foods that cause symptoms. Continue to inform those with whom you have regular contact about the allergy and ask them to help you avoid the food. Read food labels, and be aware that sometimes food allergens are called by other names on food labels.

Talk to your doctor about the best medicines for your allergy. Make sure you always have medicines available.

If you have severe food allergies, always wear medical alert jewelry that lists the foods you are allergic to. You can order medical alert jewelry through most pharmacies or on the Internet.

If your doctor has prescribed an allergy kit, always carry it with you. It contains a syringe of epinephrine and antihistamine tablets. Be sure to check the expiration dates on the medicines, and replace them as needed.

Give the epinephrine shot as soon as you or your child suspects a problem food has been eaten or feels a reaction starting. Then take the antihistamines. Because symptoms can develop again even after the shot, go to the emergency room every time you have a reaction, even if you are feeling better. You will need to be observed for at least 4 hours after the reaction.

For more information on the shot, see:

Giving an epinephrine shot.

Giving a child an epinephrine shot.

Children at risk for severe allergic reactions should keep allergy kits at school or day care as well as at home. Be sure your child's school administrator, teachers, and friends know about the food allergy and how to recognize the symptoms. They should be trained to give the shot and to call 911 immediately. Older, mature children should be taught to give themselves the shot.

Treatment if the condition gets worse

If your food allergy symptoms get worse, talk to your doctor. You may need an allergy kit or new medicine.

Explain to family, friends, and those with whom you have regular contact that your symptoms are getting worse and that it is important for them to understand what to do if you have a severe reaction.

Continue to avoid foods that cause allergies, and be aware of any new foods that cause symptoms. Read all food labels, and make sure you know the other names that food allergens are sometimes given on food labels.

If you have severe food allergies, always wear medical alert jewelry that lists the foods you are allergic to. You can order medical alert jewelry through most pharmacies or on the Internet.

If your doctor has prescribed an allergy kit, always carry it with you. It contains a syringe of epinephrine and antihistamine tablets. Be sure to check the expiration dates on the medicines, and replace them as needed.

Give the epinephrine shot as soon as you or your child feels a reaction starting. Then take the antihistamines. Because symptoms can develop again even after the injection, go to the emergency room every time you have a reaction, even if you are feeling better. You will need to be observed for at least 4 hours after the reaction.

For more information on the shot, see:

Giving an epinephrine shot.

Giving a child an epinephrine shot.

Children at risk of severe allergic reactions should keep allergy kits at school or day care as well as at home. Make sure your child's teachers, school administrators, babysitters, and friends understand the danger of a severe allergic reaction. Anyone who comes in regular contact with your child should be taught to recognize the symptoms of a severe reaction, how to give the shot, and to call 911 immediately. Older, mature children should be taught to give themselves the shot.