Food Allergies Treatment

As of to date no complete cure has been known to defeat allergic responses. This is because allergic response is a hyper reactive response of the immune system resulting in adverse reactions and complications.

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The best way to prevent an allergic response is to avoid the food-causing allergy. However, initially before identification of the food allergen or accidental ingestion of foodstuff causing allergic responses will require prophylaxis. Desensitization to allergens is not a very much of a reality as far as food allergy is concerned. Thus, the various ways to treat food allergy are:

1.    Dietary avoidance :

Upon identification of the allergy causing food, the food must be removed from the regular diet. The best way is not to use those food items in food preparation, read the ingredients on the label for each food, and asks and requests such food allergens while dining out in restaurants. The best way to avoid food allergy in infants is to breast feed them until one year, and avoid as much as possible by giving milk or other dairy products. Some allergic responses like eczema can be prevented by controlling stress, nervousness, anxiety and depression and keeping the skin well moisturized. However, care has to be taken that the moisturizer used should be devoid of allergens.

2.    Treating an anaphylactic response :

A mild allergy symptom is over countered by administering antihistamine pills, but when the response is drastic, an intramuscular shot of adrenalin is to be given. Individuals with allergy have to be advised to always carry an anti-allergy kit with adrenaline or “epi-pen” kit. Moreover, in some countries, people are advised to wear medical alert bracelets or necklaces with the name of the food they are allergic to.

In a severe anaphylactic shock, the first priority is to administer the emergency medications given by the doctor. The usual ones prescribed are:

• Epinephrine – EpiPen is actually an effective bronchodilator, opening up blocked airways, and constricts blood vessels increasing the blood pressure.

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – this drug reverses the effects of histamine and is administered for mild allergic reactions.

• Corticosteroids – they are usually administered as intravenous to first reduce swelling and other allergic reactions. When the symptoms are less severe, they are applied as cream or ointments.

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In a severe life-threatening case where cardiovascular activity is affected, CPR is to be given. Epinephrine is then given immediately in the thigh muscles to open the airways as soon as possible. In addition, to stimulate the cardiovascular activity back into normality, injections will include administering intravenous fluids and medicines along with them. On reviving the life back, antihistamines, and other allergic medicines are given to reduce the elicited allergy symptoms.

3.    Allergic Rhinitis :

This is treated by administering antihistamines when the symptoms are mild. Generally, antihistamines causes sleepiness, but newer ones like cetrizine do not cause sleepiness. Corticosteroids are the next best medicines that can be given to reduce respiratory symptoms.

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4.    Other Symptoms :

Antihistamines generally are effective relievers of gastro-intestinal symptoms, hives, sneezes and running nose caused because of food allergy. Bronchodilators relieve respiratory symptoms like asthma and wheezing. In severe cases of respiratory symptoms, enough oxygen supply has to be maintained, by using a tube into the nose or facemask, mechanical ventilation or simple surgery to remove air blockages, if required.

Localised reactions like hives or other skin reactions like eczema are treated by cooling down the inflamed area with a cold shower or by using cool compresses, wearing non-irritant clothes, applying calamine lotions and taking antihistamines to alleviate itching. Antibiotic creams are also given to prevent sepsis.

However, in all cases self-treatment is not recommended.

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