Handling a Food Allergy

Food allergies typically develop before two years of age. Allergies to eggs and milk may go away by the teen years, whereas peanut allergies might continue through adulthood. A true food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts abnormally to a certain type of food. Other types of foods that may cause allergy include wheat, soy, and fish. In persons with a known food allergy, IgE molecules are commonly responsible for the adverse reaction. If IgE is responsible for the allergy, the reaction will commonly begin within several minutes to hours of contact with the food. Anaphylaxis is a serious reaction characterized by difficulty breathing and decreased blood pressure, which requires immediate medical attention. A yearly test by an allergist can determine if the allergy has been outgrown or is still present.

If a person is experiencing anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately. Epinephrine also should be injected intramuscularly into the thigh as soon as possible. This medication works to prevent severe effects of anaphylaxis on breathing and the heart. Oxygen may be administered through a face mask should and also be started as soon as possible, as well as intravenous fluids. If epinephrine does not alleviate difficulty breathing, a bronchodilator such as albuterol is sometimes administered.