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Treatment varies with the severity and type of symptoms. The goals of treatment are reduction of symptoms and avoidance of future allergic reactions. Mild or localized symptoms may require no treatment. The symptoms will subside in a brief time. Antihistamines may relieve the discomfort of many symptoms. Soothing skin creams may provide some relief of rashes. Severe reactions require treatment with epinephrine (adrenaline) by injection, as soon as possible after symptoms develop. Self-administration of epinephrine is routinely taught to food allergy sufferers and can be life saving. Avoiding the offending food is the best way to prevent future allergic reactions. Support Groups General and up-to-date information for food allergy sufferers can be obtained online through the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. Complications - discomfort due to an allergic reaction and its treatment
- reduced social interactions with a restricted diet
- anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
- rarely, malnutrition in an infant with multiple food allergies
Calling your health care provider Call your health care provider if the symptoms of allergy develop after eating, particularly if audible wheezing, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms occur. If you have been prescribed epinephrine to give yourself for a reaction, this should be done as soon as possible, even prior to calling the doctor if you have severe reactions. 2011-10-25
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