Food allergy

Overview

Reactions usually start within minutes to 2 hours.

Early peanut foods in infancy lower allergy risk.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Hives or swelling after eating
• Reaction after eating a certain food
• Itchy or tingly mouth, lips, or throat after eating

Less common

• Vomiting
• Itchy mouth

Look up a symptom: Hives or welts · Itchy or tingly mouth, lips, or throat after eating · Nausea · Reaction after eating a certain food · Stomach pain · Vomiting

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune reaction.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Eczema
• Other allergies

Possible complications

• Anaphylaxis

Diagnosis

An allergist tests.

Questions you may be asked

• What you ate, timing

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Skin or blood tests:
• Food challenge: Supervised.

Treatment

Avoid the food.

Self-care

• Read labels every time
• Tell restaurants
• Keep epinephrine with you
• Have an action plan

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent reactions:

• Avoid triggers
• Read labels

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an allergist (allergy and asthma doctor).

Living with it

• Read every food label.
• Carry two epinephrine auto-injectors at all times.
• Tell restaurants about your allergy.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Education and online support for asthma, allergies, and eczema.
• FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education): Tips for school, dining out, and travel with food allergies.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Babies: Ask about introducing peanut early.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Manageable.

Myths and facts

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Do I need epinephrine?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Food allergy