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Living with Food Allergies

Food Allergy 101

Get the facts on what food allergies are—and what they aren’t—plus how to recognize the symptoms and seek testing from a healthcare professional.

What Is a Food Allergy?

Food allergy is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition affecting more than 33 million people living in the U.S. Learn about food allergies, what causes them and more.

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Diagnosis and Testing

Suspected food allergies should always be evaluated, diagnosed and treated by a qualified medical professional. Do not diagnose a food allergy on your own. Self-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions and inadequate nutrition, especially in children. 

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Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis (pronounced a-nuh-fuh-LAK-suhs) is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms can affect several areas of the body, including breathing and blood circulation. Patients and their families should know how to respond.

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Epinephrine

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Epinephrine is a safe and highly-effective medication that can reverse severe allergy symptoms.

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Food Allergy Action Plan Center
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Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan

Get to know this document, the cornerstone of personalized treatment for anyone with a food allergy.

More About Food Allergies

How to Read a Food Label

The only way to prevent a food-allergy reaction is to avoid the problem food. But you can’t know whether a food contains an allergen simply by looking at it.

Facts and Statistics

How many people have food allergies? What are the most common? These facts and statistics will help you better understand food allergies and anaphylaxis.

Milk Allergy Versus Lactose Intolerance

Milk allergy should not be confused with lactose intolerance. A food allergy happens when your immune system overreacts to a specific food protein. An intolerance is a digestive system issue.

Non-Food Allergens

Food is not the only allergen that can cause anaphylaxis. Learn about allergic reactions to medication, latex and insect stings.

Related Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions can produce symptoms similar to those of food allergies. Learn more about eosinophilic esophagitis, celiac disease, and more.

Myths and Misconceptions

"It's okay to eat a little bit." "A reaction is always the same." Whether you live with food allergies or care for someone who does, brushing up on the facts is a great place to start.

Understanding FPIES

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a rare type of delayed allergic reaction to food. FPIES most often occurs in infancy but may also happen in older children and adults.

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Find An Allergist

The Find an Allergist search tool is specifically designed so food allergic individuals can locate an allergist in their community. FARE offers this tool in partnership with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)—the professional society for allergies or asthma.

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