For a person with a food allergy, it only takes the smallest mistake to set off a severe or even life-threatening reaction. Even with a professional food allergy treatment plan in place, kitchen errors, whether at restaurants, at school or at home, can put everything at risk. Knowing these common potential mistakes can help keep you and your family safe, whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing a food allergy for years.
What Are the Common Food Allergy Mistakes to Avoid?
Food allergies affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and the severity of reactions can change over time. Even with such unpredictability, the mistakes that put people at risk tend to follow a familiar pattern.
Not Carrying an Epinephrine Auto-Injector
Receiving epinephrine is vital for patients experiencing anaphylaxis after exposure to peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish and other foods. If your allergist has prescribed this medication, make sure to carry two doses with you at all times.
Not Reading Ingredient Labels
Many products contain foods like milk, eggs and wheat without the buyer being aware of it. However, because the makers of packaged food products are legally obligated to declare any allergens, make it a habit to scan food labels for problem ingredients, including potential trace amounts.
Delaying Emergency Treatment After a Reaction
If you or a family member with a food allergy experiences swelling of the throat, lips or tongue, wheezing or shortness of breath, chest tightness or difficulty swallowing, don’t wait to see if symptoms improve. A reaction like this is a key sign that you need food allergy testing and treatment without delay.
Not Having an Emergency Plan for Accidental Exposure
During the stress of an allergic reaction, an emergency action plan provides a step-by-step guide that parents, teachers and family members can follow. Action plans typically include information on identifying symptoms, administering epinephrine and contacting emergency services.
Exposure to Hidden Allergens
A common food allergy mistake is focusing on obvious allergens like eggs, milk or fish while overlooking hidden sources of exposure. For many people, it only takes trace amounts in processed foods or encountered through cross-contact to trigger a reaction.
Confusing an Intolerance With a Food Allergy
Experiencing a mild stomach ache or similar reaction after eating a certain food leads many to assume they have a food allergy. However, a food intolerance versus a food allergy is often confused. Food allergies involve the immune system, and reactions can become more severe with future exposure.
Not Getting Tested for Food Allergies
Attempting to self-diagnose an allergy is a common mistake that can prevent people from receiving the best treatment. Professional food allergy testing is important for first identifying an allergy and planning treatment. It’s also vital for re-testing children to check if they have outgrown their allergy, which can happen.
Adult and Pediatric Food Allergy Care in the Atlanta Area
Prevent food allergy symptoms and severe reactions with the help of our trusted allergist team. Visit one of our Atlanta-area allergy centers for food allergy testing and treatment. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment.
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