Food Allergy Diagnosis
Feeling overwhelmed? We know it can be a big adjustment to live with food allergies. We’re here to guide you through the first things you need to know after a new food allergy diagnosis. You’ll find evidence-based, practical information on how to prevent and treat food allergy reactions. We also offer a wide range of resources to help you feel confident about managing your child’s food allergies.
A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a certain food as harmful and reacts by causing one or more symptoms. This is known as an allergic reaction. Foods that cause allergic reactions are called allergens.
Allergens
The most common foods to cause allergic reactions in the U.S. are eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, wheat, soy, and sesame. You’ll need to learn how to identify your child’s allergens.
Be Aware of Food Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms may change from one reaction to the next. Sometimes allergy symptoms are mild. Other times, symptoms can be severe and result in a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis [anna-fih-LACK-sis]. Anaphylaxis is an emergency that needs to be treated quickly. An allergic reaction to a food can involve one or more symptoms of the skin, mouth, eyes, lungs, heart, gut, and brain. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
- Skin rashes and itching and hives
- Swelling and itchiness of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, high-pitched or whistling
sound during breathing - Dizziness and/or fainting
- Stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Instinct feeling that detects danger
- Lethargic (extreme tiredness and low energy)
Talk with your child’s doctor about symptoms your child has experienced and what to watch for in the future.
Treating Anaphylaxis
Be Prepared for Anaphylaxis
Work with your child’s health care team so you have a plan in place to prevent allergic reactions and be ready to treat them if they happen.
- Have a written anaphylaxis action plan, also called a food allergy emergency care plan. Your child’s doctor will give you this step-by-step plan on what to do in an emergency.
- Learn how to give your child epinephrine. It’s the only treatment that will stop anaphylaxis.
- Epinephrine is safe and comes in easy-to-use options. Your child’s health care team will show you how to use it.
- Teach people who spend time with your child how to identify signs of an allergic reaction and use epinephrine.
- Consider having your child wear or carry a medical alert ID to let other people know of the allergy in an emergency.
Epinephrine
If you or your child have food allergies, you need to keep epinephrine with you at all times. There are different types of epinephrine devices available in the U.S. – learn and practice how to use your specific type.
Daily Life with Food Allergies
Kids with food allergies can do anything. With preparation and understanding, they can fully participate in family, school, and social activities. Learn how to make nutritious allergy-safe meals, set up school health plans, and more to ensure your child has a good quality of life:
