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'Take Action, Prevent Reactions' plan to manage food allergies

Category: Allergy Testing

Food allergies can be fatal, but careful management and better education and awareness can minimize the danger. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network is offering suggestions for how both those who have the allergy and their friends and families can help.

"Food allergies can be challenging to manage, but we know that reactions can be prevented by taking a few simple steps," said Julia Bradsher, CEO of FAAN, in a statement from the organization.
FAAN proposes a three-step approach to reducing the frequency and severity of reactions: carry your medicine, avoid your allergen and plan ahead to prevent a reaction.

According to FAAN, about 12 million Americans, or about one in 25, have food allergies. Of these, some three million are children. There are no current cures for food allergies.

In addition to being self-aware, the organization recommends education for people in contact with children with food allergies, such as "teaching a child’s classmates how to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction or encouraging teachers, athletic directors, or other school officials to learn how to use an epinephrine auto-injector."

FAAN suggests that those who suspect a food allergy not make significant changes to their diet until they have had a food allergy test.