Treatment of Food Allergy
The treatment of food allergy focuses on strict avoidance of trigger foods and quick action if accidental exposure occurs. While there is currently no cure for food allergy, advances in immunotherapy and emergency preparedness have significantly improved outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.
Avoiding the Allergen
The mainstay of treatment is complete avoidance of the identified allergen
Read food labels carefully—look out for hidden ingredients and cross-contamination warnings
Inform schools, nurseries, restaurants, and family members about the allergy
Be cautious with takeaways, shared utensils, and buffet settings
Patients must always carry emergency medication, even if they avoid the food reliably.
Emergency Treatment: Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
The first-line treatment for anaphylaxis
Delivered via auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen, Jext, Emerade)
Doctors must administer treatment at the first sign of severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, throat swelling, or dizziness
Doctors may give a second dose if there’s no improvement within 5–10 minutes
After using an auto-injector, the person should go to the emergency room immediately—even if symptoms improve.
Antihistamines and Steroids
Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine or loratadine) may help relieve hives or itching
Doctors sometimes use steroids to reduce prolonged reactions, particularly in non-IgE allergies
These are not substitutes for adrenaline in anaphylaxis
Long-Term Management
Consult a clinical allergist or immunologist
Create an allergy action plan for home, school, and travel
Wear a medical alert bracelet if the allergy is severe
Consider desensitisation (oral immunotherapy) in specialist centres—this involves giving tiny, increasing amounts of the allergen under medical supervision to reduce sensitivity
Nutritional Support
A dietitian may be needed to ensure proper nutrition, especially for children
Calcium, protein, or vitamin B12 may be lacking if dairy, eggs, or multiple foods are eliminated
Safe food alternatives should be introduced to prevent malnutrition or feeding issues
Treatment of Food Allergy
The treatment of food allergy is about much more than avoidance—it’s a daily lifestyle supported by education, readiness, and appropriate medical care.
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