Living with food allergies can be very challenging. Cases of food allergy can be mild or can lead to very serious reactions, up to and including death. Many experts have approved tips on how to remain safe while living with the burden that comes with food allergies. Here is a breakdown of some of the top ones to follow.
Talk To A Professional Allergist
It is common for people to confuse food intolerance with food allergies. To truly determine what someone is suffering from, they will need to consult an allergist. The Allergist in Elizabethtown KY will conduct tests to determine what the exact issue is.
A food intolerance is different than a food allergy. An allergy is the result of the body’s immune system reacting in a negative fashion to the food. An intolerance occurs when the body is not possessing the correct enzyme needed to digest the food. While problems can still arise from intolerance, they are generally not much more serious than a digestive issue.
If a food allergy is detected after the tests have been performed, discuss it with the Allergist in Elizabethtown KY. An organization called Food Allergy Research & Education provides worksheets to fill out with the allergist to determine a plan of action to be taken in the event an allergic reaction occurs.
Watch What You Eat
When someone suffers from a food allergy, they need to do all they can to avoid eating what they are allergic to. One of the most serious reactions linked to food allergies is called anaphylaxis. This potentially fatal reaction can occur within minutes, or even seconds, of ingesting the food. Doctors will prescribe a medicine called epinephrine to quell the symptoms of this reaction.
After the medicine has been given, it will still be necessary to make a visit to the emergency room. This is because the patient will still have to be analyzed by the emergency room doctor, so no further issues occur. Make sure a medical alert bracelet is worn at all times and that the appropriate medication is always carried by the allergy sufferer.
If there is any sort of confusion as to whether food allergies are present, it would be a good idea to Meet Dr. Steven Smith and discuss possible testing and care options with him. Do not take food allergies lightly.
