3 Food Allergy Tips To Keep In Mind
Posted on: 7 January 2019
Suddenly discovering you might be allergic to a certain food is no fun at all. Some food allergies are a minor annoyance but there are some that could have significant consequences if not taken seriously. If you suspect you have a food allergy, here's what you should keep in mind.
An Allergic Reaction is Different Than an Upset Stomach
First, before you head to the doctor, stop and think about the symptoms you experienced. Just because something disagreed with your stomach does not mean you are now allergic to that food. An upset stomach or nausea could be caused by food poisoning or you just might be falling ill with the flu or another common illness.
Look for other signs of a reaction like suddenly itchy skin, a change in skin color, a change in your breathing and so on. If you're really sure your upset stomach is because of an allergy go ahead and see a doctor but you might want to try some anti-acid tablets first before you raise the alarm.
See a Doctor Who Specializes in Food Allergies
If you get to the point that you decide to actually get medical attention, don't just go to any doctor. Your primary physician might be a nice man or woman but does he or she have previous experience dealing with food allergies? For best results, search out a local allergist who is an expert in this area. He or she will likely have greater knowledge than the average doctor and will be able to prescribe a larger range of solutions based on that knowledge.
Keep Your Antidote With You at All Times and Take It Even If There Are No Symptoms
Once you are diagnosed with a food allergy, your doctor might prescribe a certain medication that serves as an antidote for the allergic reaction you encountered. This could be a pill or if you need quick relief it could come in the form of an inhaler or a shot. Take your medication with you when dining out. If you accidentally eat something that was mixed in with a food you are allergic to, take your antidote immediately. If you wait to see if you have an allergic reaction before taking the antidote, it might already be too late for the medication to prevent things from escalating.
Contact a treatment center, like Oak Brook Allergists, for more best practices and information.
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