Adjusting to life with food allergies is not a simple task: it’s a journey.
Like every journey, it has ups and downs. Think of it like taking a trip.
Explore the phases of “The Journey” as you adjust to life with food allergies, and we’ll accompany you along the way!

Before you go on a trip, you probably do a little research first to learn about where you’re going and to help streamline your plans and get the most out of your trip. Then you pack things that you’ll need when you get there. The same process works for a person with a new food allergy diagnosis!

Increase your knowledge (Research and pack for your journey's "destination").

Food Allergy: An Overview by the National Insititute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

National Clinical Guidelines have been published to aid physicians in the diagnosis and management of food allergies, and to help patients understand the process. The guidelines were developed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in cooperation with representatives from other organizations.

 
Patient Information- summary of guidelines 
Complete Guidelines- for patients and their caregivers

Understanding Children and Chronic Illness: Protecting your child's emotional health - a resource from National Jewish Health

More tips for patients:

• Learn the basics of food allergies. Check out our section on Food Allergy Basics.
• Can you have a mild peanut allergy? Read this Allergy Moms article.
• What can your allergy test results tell you about the severity of your allergies? Learn about food allergy diagnosis.
• For a less common food allergy diagnosis (FPIES, EE), find help from others in the national discussion boards on www.kidswithfoodallergies.org.  
• Find books and videos to learn about food allergies.
• Learn what kids with food allergies wish you knew. Read this Allergy Moms article.
• Take care of the entire family. Read about what your non-allergic child may be thinking in this Allergy Moms article.

The Food Allergy Support Group of Minnesota recommends that you:

• Get your diagnosis from an AAAAI  board-certified allergist. Read this article about physican's knowledge of food allergies.  
• Ask your doctor for a written food allergy action plan.
  • Food Allergy Action Plan by FAAN                
  • Anaphylaxis Action Plan by Children’s Physician Network of MN       
• Stay informed about your doctor-recommended medications
  • EpiPen, Dey Pharmaceuticals              
  • Twinject, Sciele Pharmaceuticals   
• If prescribed, ensure that you have 2 epinephrine auto-injectors available at all times.
• Consider a medical identification bracelet
• Read every food label EVERY time. Call food manufacturers with questions about ingredients or cross contamination possibilities.
  • Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA)
  • Q&A about FALCPA by FDA
  • Q&A about FALCPA by FAAN 
  • How to Read a Label by FAAN            
• Educate others about your food allergy. If your child has food allergies, only leave him/her with other caregivers who are trained in how to, prevent, recognize and treat a reaction.
• Beware of hidden allergens  51.81 Kb .