Food allergy management

Abstract

Optimal management of food allergy is complex and multifaceted. Management of food allergy includes ensuring proper diagnosis, monitoring for the emergence of natural tolerance, screening for nutritional and psychosocial issues, and educating the patient and family on living with food allergies across childhood. Education must encompass successfully avoiding the trigger food, recognizing and treating allergic reactions, and navigating living with food allergies. Allergists can help families prepare for specific situations, such as working with daycares, schools, after-school activities and camps, traveling, and dining out. In addition, psychosocial issues such as anxiety and bullying should be addressed, and counseling with regard to emerging therapies discussed. Managing children with food allergies requires continual follow up with regard to these issues, and the needs of families will change over time. Allergists can guide the family as the child grows and transitions to adulthood when managing food allergy.