Food Allergy Medication Options You Need to Know

Food allergy medications, such as antihistamines or adrenaline, are needed when allergy symptoms appear. In addition to dealing with discomfort, this food allergy medication also aims to prevent severe symptoms or life-threatening reactions.

A food allergy is a condition in which the immune system reacts after eating certain foods. This allergic reaction can vary from person to person, ranging from indigestion, itching or swelling of the airways, to even life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Food Allergy Medication Options You Need to Know

This allergy generally affects infants and children under the age of 5 years, but can occur at any age. In fact, a person can suffer from food allergies, even though years before they could eat these foods without problems.

To prevent this, you need to know what foods can trigger allergies and stay away from them, and have a supply of food allergy medications, both over-the-counter and prescribed by a doctor.

Food Allergy Triggers

Any food can cause this allergy. However, there are several types of food that are the most common triggers of food allergic reactions, namely:

  • Cow's milk and its processed products
  • Fish
  • Nuts from trees, such as almonds, cashews and walnuts
  • Eggs
  • Peanuts
  • Scallops
  • Wheat
  • Soya beans

If you have a food allergy, be sure to avoid a variety of foods that trigger it and check the ingredients of each food.

Food Allergy Medications You Need to Know

There are two types of food allergy medications to reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction, namely antihistamines and adrenaline. Here is the explanation:

Antihistamines

For mild to severe allergic reactions, such as hives or nasal congestion, the food allergy medication used is an antihistamine. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine that trigger allergic reactions There are many antihistamines that can be used to treat food allergies, such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine, alimemazine, loratadine, and promethazine. If your child suffers from food allergies, consult a doctor first to find out which antihistamine is suitable according to his health condition.

After taking antihistamines, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages as they can cause drowsiness, especially if you still have to drive or work. This food allergy medicine can also cause dry mouth, nose, and throat

Adrenaline (epinephrine)

Adrenaline is used to treat severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to the allergen, and can worsen rapidly.

In an emergency, this food allergy medication is given by injection according to a doctor's prescription. When injected, adrenaline will relieve anaphylaxis by reducing swelling in the throat, opening the airway, and maintaining heart function and blood pressure.

If you have a food allergy that puts you at high risk of anaphylaxis, be sure to consult a doctor for an automatic epinephrine injection and learn how to use it.

You are advised to get two injectable doses of epinephrine. This is because severe allergic reactions can occur repeatedly and are unpredictable. Also, be sure to check the expiration date of your automatic epinephrine injection periodically.

What to Look For When You Have a Food Allergy

In addition to taking food allergy medication according to the allergic condition, it is important to know the right prevention steps as well as what to do when allergies recur.

Here's how to prevent a food allergic reaction from occurring:

  • Look at the packaging label or ask the seller about the ingredients in the food you are about to consume
  • Make sure the people around you know about your allergic condition, so they will be ready to help in case of an emergency
  • Prepare your own lunch when traveling, so you won't be tempted to buy food outside, which can prevent possible allergen exposure
  • Consult your pediatrician first before introducing your child to the eight food allergens listed above

When your body reacts to the food you eat, stop eating. Don't try to determine if the food is allergic to you by eating more of it.

If you feel allergy symptoms after consuming certain foods, immediately see a doctor for an examination and get food allergy medication. However, if a food allergy is accompanied by difficulty breathing, a severe drop in blood pressure, and a fast pulse, visit the nearest emergency room.

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