What may be done to treat food allergies?

Monday, January 30, 2012

At present the only treatment is avoidance. Knowing what you are allergic to is very important, and good education on how to avoid those things is necessary. Accidental exposures can be treated with injectable epinephrine and antihistamines. 

Right now there is no treatment to resolve food allergy, although some may resolve with time. There are a number of treatments in clinical trials and studies, from oral desensitization to Chinese herbal supplements, so new treatment options are on the horizon.The best way to "treat" food allergies is to avoid the food that causes the allergy. This often requires some detective work but labeling laws in the United States have made the process a little easier. All packaged foods must list the most common allergens found in the product.

• Avoid obvious foods that you are allergic to.
• Do research to find out if the food you're allergic to might also include other foods. For example, many people who are allergic to bananas also have adverse reactions to mango and avocado.
• Read labels for packaged foods. Look for all forms of the allergen. If you’re allergic to milk, check for code words including but not limited to casein, whey, lacto albumin and butter.
• Be sure to check restaurant menus and let your server know about any allergies during ordering and when the food is served.
• If you’re invited to a dinner party, be sure to let the host know about your allergy in advance so that he or she can plan for your special needs. This makes it more comfortable for both of you. There is presently no known cure for food allergy. Strict avoidance of the food allergen is the only way to prevent a reaction and therefore treat food allergies.  However, before eliminating/avoiding foods suspected of causing a reaction, it is important to have the food allergies diagnosed and confirmed by your physician/allergist.Your doctor may want you to try the following to treat your food allergies:
  Elimination: Avoid eating the foods that cause your allergies.
  
  
  • Learn how to read food labels. You will need to read food labels to make sure the food that you are allergic to is not hidden in other foods. Some foods that you are allergic to may be listed under different names. Ask your doctor for more information about reading food labels.
  • Ask about ingredients when eating out. Always ask about the ingredients that are used to prepare foods made in restaurants or at another person's home.
  Antihistamines: This medicine decreases itching and rash caused by food allergies. This medicine may cause drowsiness.
  Coping with itchy skin:
  • Apply cold compresses to the skin, or take a cool bath or oatmeal bath.
  • Wear loose fitting clothes and avoid tight underwear.
  • Do not take hot baths or showers.
  If you have a severe food allergy:An adult should stay with you for 24 hours (one day) following a severe reaction, in case the symptoms return.
  
  • Your doctor may teach you and your family when and how to give epineprhine shots. Epinephrine (adrenaline) is a medicine to help treat the life-threatening symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as throat swelling. This medicine can be found in an anaphylaxis kit. If you have a severe allergy, always carry an anaphylaxis kit with you.
  • Wear a medical alert necklace or bracelet that says exactly what your food allergy is. You may order one from the following organization: MedicAlert Foundation
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