Managing food allergies is a daily struggle for many Atlanta families, from checking food labels to avoiding allergen exposure and the risk of anaphylaxis. If you or your child are at risk from eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts and other allergens, you could benefit from a food allergy treatment plan. With a clear approach to food allergy management, you have the guidelines needed to prevent reactions, recognize symptoms, and respond to emergencies.
Benefits of a Food Allergy Management Plan
Experiencing an allergic reaction after eating common foods is a worry that many adults and children must deal with each day. Let’s examine just why a food allergy treatment plan is so important after such a reaction.
Get an Accurate Food Allergy Diagnosis
Treating a food allergy starts with identifying the exact allergens that are triggering a reaction. Skin prick or blood testing reveals how your immune system responds to various foods. Testing will also rule out foods as allergens, so that you don’t restrict your diet unnecessarily. After an accurate food allergy diagnosis, you’ll have the information needed to make informed decisions about diet, medication and desensitization treatment options.
Prepare Yourself for Allergy Emergencies
A person with an allergy to foods like peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish could be at risk from anaphylaxis. A food allergy treatment plan will include important strategies for dealing with severe reactions, including carrying an epinephrine auto-injector. For children at school, an emergency plan will help teachers and other staff manage a sudden and severe response to allergen exposure.
Follow Practical Food Allergy Action Steps
Simple steps can support a food allergy management plan, reducing the risk of a reaction and improving overall health. For instance, before buying groceries, make sure to read food labels for allergens and adjust recipes to prevent exposure. Following good hygiene practices during food preparation can also prevent cross-contamination. When visiting restaurants, it’s a good idea to ask about potential allergens before ordering.
Reduce Food Allergy Anxiety and Build Self-Confidence
Food allergies are a common source of stress and anxiety, particularly for children who have experienced a severe reaction. A food allergy treatment plan can help those with allergies build confidence in their food choices, providing the guidance needed to both manage an allergy and deal with potential emergencies.
Start the Process of Building Long-Term Allergen Tolerance
While avoidance and medication can help patients manage food allergies, allergy desensitization can allow patients to consume previously restricted foods without fear of a reaction. Oral immunotherapy is a safe treatment that gradually desensitizes the immune system to the presence of an allergen. As part of a food allergy treatment plan, oral immunotherapy offers a strategy that aims for long-term tolerance.
Get a Food Allergy Treatment Plan From an Atlanta Allergist
For lasting relief from food allergy symptoms, talk to our allergy specialists today. We provide accurate food allergy testing and treatment at our accessible allergy centers in the Atlanta area. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
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