The Food Allergy Resource & Education organization reports that more than 170 foods are known to cause allergic reactions. The institution goes on to list 15 million Americans as having sensitivities to one or more of those foods. If you find you fit into that group, you'll want to begin a food allergy treatment program so that you can experience optimal health.
Step 1: Avoid Your Food Allergens
Once you've had food allergy testing done and know which foods you are allergic too, you'll need to remove those items from your home. Additionally, you'll want to talk to close friends and family members and inform them of your allergy. Supportive loved ones will make sure they don't prepare any meals for you that include the food items that could be potentially dangerous if you consume them.
Step 2: Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet
Medical alert bracelets can be purchased online or through most pharmacies. You can request that a list of the foods you are allergic to be printed on the bracelet. Should you ever have an emergency in the future where you are unable to speak, the medical alert bracelet will tell the doctors and nurses caring for you that you are not to be given those food items.
Step 3: Have Medications On-Hand
When you have a confirmed food allergy, your doctor can prescribe a few medications to have on hand. Antihistamines work on mild food allergies, such as if you break out in hives after eating a strawberry. An epinephrine auto-injector is also essential, as it can save your life if you have a severe allergic reaction. Although you may do your best to avoid certain foods, the The Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 is only followed if the food item is made in the United States. As a result, it is possible to consume something from overseas that did not have an accurately labeled package.
Step 4: Begin a Desensitization Program
The next food allergy treatment step is to begin a desensitization program. This type of program must be completed in a clinical setting to ensure the safety of the individual who suffers from the food allergy. The way the program works is through a process called oral immunotherapy (OIT). You are given a small amount of the food protein you are allergic to, such as nuts or fish. The amount is then increased over time until you are no longer sensitive to it.
To learn more about food allergy treatment, check out websites like http://www.oakbrookallergists.com.
Share7 June 2017
I have struggled with allergies my entire life, and my health issues kept me from enjoying playgrounds and outdoor sports like the other kids. When my daughter started to sniffle and sneeze when she turned seven, I knew that I didn't want to stop my child from experiencing a fulfilling childhood. After a meeting with an allergist and a blood test, I found out that my daughter was allergic to pollen during the spring, summer, and fall months. I decided to allow my daughter to start shot therapy. While my daughter built up an immunity to the allergens, I decided to lessen symptoms by using natural health techniques. I found a variety of options online. Unfortunately, I had to weed through a great deal of information to find out what worked and what didn't. Let my research and trials guide you, so you can find out what really works.
