It is most important that the allergic person realizes he can eat out with food allergies. He should share vital information with friends and family. Let them know where the food allergy rescue kit is kept and what is in it. If an emergency occurs and the allergic person has an allergic reaction where he cannot speak or help himself, those who care about him can render immediate and appropriate aide.
Additionally, severely allergic people should talk with a doctor about wearing a medic alert necklace or bracelet. This is especially important if the doctor recommends including the adrenaline (epinephrine) injection in the allergy rescue kit.
Food Allergy Rescue Kit
“Be Prepared” is the Boy Scouts of America’s motto, and it’s the motto of the allergic person. Making a simple life-saver kit to keep with him wherever he goes is very important. It should contain rescue medication as directed by a physician, such as:
- Over-the-counter: antihistamines and anti-nauseas like Benadryl and Pepto-Bismol and generic equivalents which are often equally effective for less cost
- Prescription: emergency adrenaline (epinephrine) injection, asthma inhaler
- Small notepad: First page with Emergency names and phone numbers
Designate a page for a list of known foods that have caused allergic reaction in the past, so the allergic person is reminded of what to avoid.
Keep Notes on What Happens
The remainder of the notepad is for journaling specific allergic reactions. Information from each journal entry can be shared with physicians to to help control and avoid future attacks:
- Date, approximate time, and food eaten
- Symptoms: Swelling, itching, breathing issues, rash, etc
- How soon symptoms begin after eating
- Relief steps taken: Cold compress, antihistamine, epi-pen, emergency room, etc
- How long symptoms lasted before relief steps began to work
In spite of best efforts, sometimes allergic reactions happen anyway. Using the notepad can help maintain focus through the allergy attack. If the allergic person feels any odd sensations while eating, or soon thereafter, he should assume an allergic reaction is beginning. Of course, he should stop eating the food immediately. Symptoms may be any one or combination of the following:
- Skin: Itching, hives, rash, swelling, redness/flushing of the face
- Respiratory: Coughing, sneezing, runny nose, trouble breathing, wheezing
- Gastro-intestinal: Itching mouth or throat, swelling mouth or throat, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, cramps
- Cardio: Drop in blood pressure and heart rate, loss of consciousness, death
Action should be taken immediately. With a minor reaction, rinsing out the mouth and taking a dose of antihistamine may be all that is needed. In the most severe case, dialing 911 is the best option. Regardless, an allergic person should always be prepared and carry an allergy rescue kit everywhere.
What to do for a Serious Food Allergy Reaction
According to the Anaphylaxis Campaign, important questions must be considered when deciding if the allergic reaction warrants a 911 emergency call:
- Is the person having sudden weakness or exhaustion?
- Is the person steadily deteriorating - getting slowly or quickly worse?
- These are serious symptoms.
- Call 911 or get someone else to do it.
- Use the adrenaline (epinephrine) injection without delay if you believe the symptoms are serious, or becoming serious. Directions are on the container. It is often known by the brand name Epi-Pen.
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