The Basics - Living with Food Allergies
1 Always be prepared for a reaction.
· Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly if a reaction occurs.
· Call 911 after using your Epipen, even if a reaction appears to go away.
· Carry Epipen and other medications
with you at all times. NEVER leave home without them.
· Arrange to have extra Epipens and other medications at your child’s school, baby-sitter or daycare. (Special forms may have to be completed by your doctor). Be sure you always have 2 shots together in case of malfunction or if the reaction persists before emergency help can arrive.
· Make sure you replace your Epipen once a year because they do expire.
· Do not store your Epipen in extreme heat or cold (i.e. your car). The medication is very sensitive and this can render it ineffective.
2 Don’t eat anything that contains the food(s) to which you are allergic!
· Learn to read labels! Read them each and every time you buy the product and prior to eating. The manufacturing process may have changed.
· Eat only what is clearly labeled.
· Don’t eat products that may come
in contact with allergen-containing foods: “cross-contamination”. Avoid bakeries, delicatessens and ice cream shops.
· When in doubt, do without!
3 Have an emergency Action Plan
An emergency Action Plan is a form that lists the signs of an allergic reaction and what to do if a reaction occurs.
· Your doctor may have forms or
You can get them from FAAN. The doctor should fill out the form with you.
· Post a copy of the plan on the refrigerator
and keep a copy with your emergency medications.
· Review this plan with EVERYONE
who cares for your child.
· Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly if a reaction occurs.
· Call 911 after using your Epipen, even if a reaction appears to go away.
· Carry Epipen and other medications
with you at all times. NEVER leave home without them.
· Arrange to have extra Epipens and other medications at your child’s school, baby-sitter or daycare. (Special forms may have to be completed by your doctor). Be sure you always have 2 shots together in case of malfunction or if the reaction persists before emergency help can arrive.
· Make sure you replace your Epipen once a year because they do expire.
· Do not store your Epipen in extreme heat or cold (i.e. your car). The medication is very sensitive and this can render it ineffective.
2 Don’t eat anything that contains the food(s) to which you are allergic!
· Learn to read labels! Read them each and every time you buy the product and prior to eating. The manufacturing process may have changed.
· Eat only what is clearly labeled.
· Don’t eat products that may come
in contact with allergen-containing foods: “cross-contamination”. Avoid bakeries, delicatessens and ice cream shops.
· When in doubt, do without!
3 Have an emergency Action Plan
An emergency Action Plan is a form that lists the signs of an allergic reaction and what to do if a reaction occurs.
· Your doctor may have forms or
You can get them from FAAN. The doctor should fill out the form with you.
· Post a copy of the plan on the refrigerator
and keep a copy with your emergency medications.
· Review this plan with EVERYONE
who cares for your child.
4 Get a MedicAlert Bracelet or Pendant (children should have bracelets). This is NOT just an ID bracelet!
Emergency medical workers are trained to recognize these and can use them to get important information.
5 Always carry “safe” food with you. Be prepared - carry “safe” snacks to eat whenever away from home. Eating out is risky! Always ask to speak to the manager before ordering to convey the life-threatening nature of your allergy. Ask about cross-contamination as well.
6 Join a Food Allergy Support Group such as Phoenix Allergy Network.
Everyone finds their own comfort level in dealing with food allergies. By networking with others, you can learn more about food allergies and the many resources available to assist you in managing them. Phoenix Allergy Network provides a “Safe Zone” for you and your family. Come to our meetings
as often as you like or need. We are here for you. Our goal is to help you focus on practical ways of coping with food allergies and anaphylaxis in your everyday life.
Emergency medical workers are trained to recognize these and can use them to get important information.
5 Always carry “safe” food with you. Be prepared - carry “safe” snacks to eat whenever away from home. Eating out is risky! Always ask to speak to the manager before ordering to convey the life-threatening nature of your allergy. Ask about cross-contamination as well.
6 Join a Food Allergy Support Group such as Phoenix Allergy Network.
Everyone finds their own comfort level in dealing with food allergies. By networking with others, you can learn more about food allergies and the many resources available to assist you in managing them. Phoenix Allergy Network provides a “Safe Zone” for you and your family. Come to our meetings
as often as you like or need. We are here for you. Our goal is to help you focus on practical ways of coping with food allergies and anaphylaxis in your everyday life.
Facts to Remember
· Allergic reactions to food can be life-threatening.
· Reactions can become dangerous without warning. Act quickly when a reaction occurs. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
· Prior reactions do not always predict the severity of future reactions. Every reaction can be different.
· Always be prepared.
· Even a tiny amount of a food can cause a serious reaction in some people.
· Calmly & clearly state your (child’s) needs as FACTS, not wishes. Be firm.
· “The Big Eight” Food Allergens are: Peanut, Tree nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish,
Eggs, Dairy (Milk), & Wheat.
· Reactions can become dangerous without warning. Act quickly when a reaction occurs. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
· Prior reactions do not always predict the severity of future reactions. Every reaction can be different.
· Always be prepared.
· Even a tiny amount of a food can cause a serious reaction in some people.
· Calmly & clearly state your (child’s) needs as FACTS, not wishes. Be firm.
· “The Big Eight” Food Allergens are: Peanut, Tree nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish,
Eggs, Dairy (Milk), & Wheat.
Key Words to Know
Anaphylaxis: A life-threatening allergic reaction.
EpiPen/Twinject Trainer: A practice epinephrine injector without a needle or epinephrine. Ask your doctor to show you how to use the injector.
Food Label: A list of ingredients in a food. Check for this on the back or side of the package. Read the label on everything EVERY time you use a product because ingredients may change. If you don’t understand the label, call and ask the company to explain it. Check for a toll-free (800) number on the label.
Cross-contamination: When the proteins from various foods mix rendering a “safe” food “unsafe”. Often this is done in the cooking process using contaminated utensils, pans, frying oils, grills, etc.
EpiPen/Twinject Trainer: A practice epinephrine injector without a needle or epinephrine. Ask your doctor to show you how to use the injector.
Food Label: A list of ingredients in a food. Check for this on the back or side of the package. Read the label on everything EVERY time you use a product because ingredients may change. If you don’t understand the label, call and ask the company to explain it. Check for a toll-free (800) number on the label.
Cross-contamination: When the proteins from various foods mix rendering a “safe” food “unsafe”. Often this is done in the cooking process using contaminated utensils, pans, frying oils, grills, etc.
Why Should I Get Involved
Everyone finds their own comfort level in dealing with food allergies. By attending meetings, you can learn more about food allergies and the many resources available to assist you in managing them.
Phoenix Allergy Network provides a “Safe Zone” for you and your family. Come as often as you like or need. We are here for you.
Our goal is to help you focus on practical ways of coping with food allergies and anaphylaxis in your everyday life.
Phoenix Allergy Network provides a “Safe Zone” for you and your family. Come as often as you like or need. We are here for you.
Our goal is to help you focus on practical ways of coping with food allergies and anaphylaxis in your everyday life.
Phoenix Allergy Network , LLC is not a medical organization. All materials and information provided by the group do not constitute medical advice and should not be relied upon as such. Always discuss your medical concerns with a qualified physician.