Tips for Living With Food Allergies From a Food Allergist
Learning that you or your child has a food allergy can be stressful and often life-altering. At Safe2Bite | Texas Food Allergy Center, we understand how overwhelming a diagnosis of a food allergy can be and are here to support you every step of the way.
What You Should Know About Food Allergy Safety
A food allergy is the body’s immune system reaction to proteins in certain foods, most commonly peanuts, milk, eggs, seeds, tree nuts and shellfish. Your body mistakenly thinks that the allergen is harmful and tries to attack it, leading to symptoms that can range from mild to serious and can even be life-threatening at times. That’s why it’s important to be vigilant and avoid foods you are allergic to. The following are tips from our board-certified food allergist to help you manage your food allergies and continue living life to the fullest.
Recognizing and Responding to Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is the most serious and sometimes life-threatening reaction to certain foods. Watch for symptoms such as the following.
- Swelling of the tongue, lips or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- A sudden drop in blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
The life-threatening symptoms can progress rapidly, which is why it’s important to use an epinephrine auto-injector and dial 911 immediately for emergency care. Carry your epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times, and make sure people around you or your child are trained to administer it quickly for your safety.
Read Food Labels Carefully
Going to the grocery store can be quite a feat when it comes to determining what foods are safe for you or your child. Allergens are often present in baked goods, cereals, granola products, seed oils, salad dressings, and even sauces, marinades, and processed meats. Many packaged foods can contain hidden allergens through cross-contamination. That’s why it’s important to read every food label carefully. Even a comment like “may contain” or “processed in a facility with” should always be taken seriously. When in doubt, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.
Eating Out With Food Allergies
While dietary restrictions can make eating out challenging, it can be done safely. The biggest challenge is cross-contamination. Even if a dish you select does not contain an allergen in its ingredients, it’s essential to stay safe and aware. Before heading out, call the restaurant and see if they have allergy-friendly food options.
Most chefs and restaurant managers will go out of their way to be accommodating. However, if they cannot guarantee the safety of their dishes, you may want to opt for a different venue. With time, you’ll find a few favorite spots that are safe for you and your loved ones.
Allergy Safety at School or Work
Schools and workplaces often present a risk to people with food allergies. It’s important to speak with teachers, school nurses, or coworkers and ensure you or your child has someone around who can respond in an emergency.
Keeping epinephrine auto-injectors easily accessible and establishing allergy-free zones or snack policies at school or work can provide you with peace of mind. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how helpful people are when it comes to ensuring your safety.
Preparing for Travel
Plan carefully to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. First and foremost, pack any necessary medication, including your epinephrine auto-injector, which may be hard to find in an emergency, especially if you’re traveling overseas.
You may want to pack some safe snacks in case you don’t have access to allergy-friendly meals. Also, use a translator to put together quick and simple phrases in the local language to help you communicate with hotel or restaurant staff.
Be sure to research hospitals, pharmacies and emergency contact numbers before you head out. With preparation, you can explore new destinations with confidence.
Food Allergy Care Near Me Serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Area
Living with a food allergy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Our board-certified food allergist at Safe2Bite is happy to create a food allergy management plan to help you or your child live safely and confidently. From food allergy testing to food allergy treatment and long-term food allergy care, we are here to support you and your family every step of the way. We proudly serve patients of all ages in McKinney, Prosper, Frisco, Plano, Allen, Fort Worth, Southlake, and the greater DFW region. We invite you to call us at (469) 916-5504 to book an appointment today.
