Your Care Instructions

In a food allergy, the immune system overreacts to certain foods. Normally, the immune system helps keep you healthy by defending against harmful germs. But in a food allergy, the immune system thinks something in certain foods is harmful. So it fights back with an allergic reaction.

The best way to treat a food allergy is to avoid the foods that cause it. And make sure that you know what to do if you accidentally eat something you are allergic to.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Avoid the foods that cause problems.
• Avoid other foods in the same family as the ones you are allergic to, especially tree nuts and seafood. For example, if you are allergic to walnuts, you might also react to pecans, pistachios, or cashews.
• Read food labels carefully. Learn the other names for foods that you are allergic to, such as "caseinate" for milk or "albumin" for eggs.
• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Use an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin), to treat mild symptoms. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Mild symptoms include sneezing or an itchy or runny nose; an itchy mouth; a few hives or mild itching; and mild nausea or stomach discomfort.
• Your doctor may prescribe a shot of epinephrine to carry with you in case you have a severe reaction. Learn how to give yourself the shot, and keep it with you at all times. Make sure it has not expired.
• Wear medical alert jewellery that lists your allergies.

Tips for eating out

• When you eat out, tell waiters about your allergy. Ask them about ingredients. If they aren't sure, ask to speak to kitchen staff.
• Bring safe substitutes from home. For example, if you are allergic to cow's milk, bring soy beverage.
• Be aware of something called cross-contamination. For example, a food server may scoop out some ice cream with nuts. Make sure the same scoop is not used for your ice cream without nuts.
• If you travel to another country, learn the words for the foods you are allergic to. Then you will be able to ask about them in restaurants and read food labels. Call airlines, tour operators, and restaurants before you go. Explain your allergy, and ask for safe meals. And discuss your travel plans with your doctor.