Home Care

Keep a journal of the foods, insect stings, or medicines that cause allergic reactions. Share this with your doctor. It will help to learn what triggers your reactions and how to lower your risk.

Caregivers should work with their child's doctor to make an allergy and anaphylaxis emergency plan. Share the plan with your child's daycare, school, and other caregivers.

Be prepared for any new reactions:

• Have an emergency epinephrine pen nearby at all times. Check the expiration date often.
• Teach others in your life what to do when you have an emergency.
• Wear a MedicAlert bracelet. It will let others know of your allergy if you are not able to tell them.

Diet

Do not eat foods that trigger allergic reactions. Sometimes, ingredients are hidden or added by accident.

Some tips are:

• Read food labels with care.
• Food and any ingredients you are allergic to should be kept in a separate part of the kitchen.
• A separate set of utensils should be used for allergic foods. Examples are cutting boards, knives, measuring cups, and other cooking tools.
• Clean counters, tables, and utensils well after use.
• Do not use the kitchen if someone is cooking with the food that causes your allergy.
• Do not visit places where the food that can affect you is airborne.

Children should not share foods, food utensils, or food containers.

Physical Activity

You can slowly return to normal activities as you are able. People who have allergies that are triggered by exercise should not do things that trigger the reaction. Stop exercising at the first sign of a reaction.

Return to work when the doctor has said it is okay. Do not drive until the doctor has said it is safe.

Medications

An epinephrine self-injector pen may be given to treat a future reaction. It should be kept nearby and injected at the first signs of a problem.

Other medicines may be given to treat allergy symptoms.

When taking medicine:

• Take your medicine as advised. Do not change the amount or schedule.
• Be aware of the side effects of your medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any.
• Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medicine.
• Do not share your prescription medicine.
• Medicines can be harmful when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one, including over the counter products and supplements.
• Plan for refills.