Food Allergies & Food Intolerance

Recently Answered

• QHow can I help my child manage a food allergy?

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  A Ms. Vandana R. Sheth , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  As a registered dietitian specializing in food allergies and mother of a child with severe food allergies, here are some tips:

  • Start by educating your child on his/her specific food allergy.
  • Discuss "safe" foods and foods to avoid.
  • Practice label-reading and have a plan for parties, school holiday events, food-related projects, etc.
  • Depending upon the age of your child, consider doing a food allergy awareness program at the preschool/school to educate others in supporting your child. Involve friends and family members in the process to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for your child.
  • Consider scheduling a session for your child and you with a registered dietitian specializing in food allergies. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network is good resource.

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• QHow do I manage my peanut allergy on a daily basis?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Though it may seem obvious, the best way to manage a peanut allergy is to avoid peanuts. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces laws that require clear labeling of ingredients, particularly ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. Read labels carefully; generally, if the word "nut" is on the list, you shouldn't eat it. There are foods that less obviously contain peanuts or may have come into contact with peanuts, including ethnic cuisine such as African, Chinese and Thai food; chocolate; baked goods; cereal; salad dressing; ice cream; and spaghetti sauce. You must be diligent in reading labels and asking questions at restaurants and bakeries.

  No matter how vigilant you are, you should be prepared for accidental peanut exposure. Make sure you're acquainted with the signs and symptoms of a reaction: rash or hives, swelling, trouble breathing and dizziness. Inform friends and family members of your peanut allergy, and carry emergency medications such as antihistamines and an epinephrine injector in case of a serious reaction.

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• QWhat are the treatment options for peanut allergy?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Unfortunately for peanut lovers, the most effective way to treat peanut allergy is to completely remove peanuts from your diet and from your environment. Depending on your sensitivity, you may experience an allergic reaction not only by eating peanuts but also by eating something that came into contact with peanuts or by inhaling peanut protein. Because of this, try to avoid any products that contain peanuts or are processed in the same places as peanuts. For milder reactions, there are some medications—such as antihistamines—that treat symptoms like swelling and hives. For people with more severe allergies, it's important to be prepared. Anaphylaxis is a serious health threat that can block normal breathing, so doctors usually recommend that people with serious peanut allergy carry an epinephrine injector in case of an anaphylactic reaction.

  There's not much evidence to support the effectiveness of many alternative treatments for peanut allergy. Some people report that herbal remedies relieve symptoms. For example, a 2007 study showed that a Chinese herbal formula may help prevent peanut allergy reactions. Others claim that acupuncture is beneficial. Other alternative treatments include special diets with supplements and certain foods eaten at certain times.

• QWhat increases my risk for soy allergy?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  A soy allergy is caused by problems with the immune system. When the immune system identifies soy protein as dangerous, it produces antibodies, which trigger chemicals to cause negative reactions. An allergy to soy protein can develop over time. Even if you've eaten soy before with no reaction, you could still suffer from an allergic reaction in the future.

  There are certain risk factors that may increase your chance of developing soy allergy:

  • Heredity may put you at risk for a soy allergy. That means if a family member has had any type of allergy, including food allergies, asthma or hay fever, you're more likely to develop a soy allergy.
  • Other allergies may increase your likelihood for having soy allergies, so if you're allergic to other foods, especially things like wheat and beans, you may be at a higher risk for a soy allergy.
  • Babies and toddlers are also at increased risk for the disease because their digestive systems and immune systems have not yet had time to mature. Most parents discover that their children have a soy allergy when they try feeding their children an infant formula with a soy base.
• QHow might managing food allergies get harder as my child gets older?

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  A Ms. Vandana R. Sheth , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  Kids with food allergies might get teased by others who might not understand why they are different or need to stay away from some foods or need to eat special foods. However, food allergies are serious and the best way to handle this is to practice role playing at home with your child and provide education/awareness to the children at school and in activities that your child participates in. If you suspect that your child is getting teased, take immediate action and involve others in the education process so that your child has a safe environment and access to participate in activities like other children.

• QHow can a child's food allergy be diagnosed?

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  A UCLA Health answered

  In many cases, an allergist can diagnose food allergies from the history and supportive testing using either a simple skin prick test or blood work. Oftentimes, the diagnosis of a food allergy is still unclear. Your child’s allergist may recommend an oral food challenge, where a small amount of the problem food is given to the child under direct supervision, in a safe and controlled setting.

  Once the allergy is accurately identified, avoidance of the specific problem food resolves all symptoms. Antihistamines, epinephrine and steroids are used to treat the symptoms of allergic reactions. For people with severe allergies, epinephrine, a small dose of adrenaline, should be kept on their person at all times. This therapy can be lifesaving.

• QIf I have a food allergy, how can I avoid having a reaction?

  5 Answers

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  A Intermountain Registered Dietitians , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Intermountain Healthcare

  • Avoid the food that’s causing your allergic symptoms.
  • Read ingredient labels.
  • Ask questions at restaurants.
  • Ask your healthcare providers what to do in case you are accidentally exposed to food allergens. (You may need to carry special medication in case of an exposure.)

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• QHow do FDA regulations protect people with peanut allergies?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  When you have a peanut allergy, it means that exposure to peanuts by digestion, skin contact or inhalation causes you to have an allergic reaction.

  To protect people with peanut allergies and other food allergies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that food manufacturers clearly state on product labels if the eight most common allergenic foods are included in the ingredients. These substances include peanut, milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans. Even if a product contains the tiniest amount of one of these, it must be marked on the labels. This helps people with peanut allergies-and other food allergies-avoid food products that may trigger a severe reaction.