Tips for Managing Food Allergies

To successfully manage your food allergy, you’ll have to change your diet and lifestyle. These changes may seem challenging and overwhelming at first, but things will get easier over time.

Since there is not yet a medication that can prevent food allergies, strict avoidance of the allergy-causing food is the only way to prevent a reaction. Medications are administered to control symptoms after a reaction occurs. If your doctor has prescribed medication such as epinephrine (Auvi-Q™, EpiPen® or Twinject®), carry it with you at all times. Ask your doctor for a written plan that outlines when and how to use this medicine. Download a Food Allergy Action Plan form and ask your doctor to fill it out. Auto-injector "trainers" (a device similar to an auto-injector, but containing no needle or medication) are available for you to practice with.

Planning in advance how to handle certain situations, reading labels vigilantly, and learning to avoid problem foods are the keys to managing a food allergy. Healthcare professionals and families dealing with food allergies have developed strategies and tips to help you or a loved one to stay safe. In the Managing Food Allergies at... section, you’ll find advice on coping with your food allergy in every area of your life.