To learn more about food allergy safety download our Food Allergy Management Guide.
- Epinephrine: If your child has been diagnosed with a food allergy make sure you receive a prescription for epinephrine. Reactions can be different with each episode. While one reaction may have less severe symptoms the next could develop into anaphylaxis. Epinephrine can temporarily provide relief from oncoming symptoms while allowing time for emergency first responders to arrive. It is important to call 911 if you have encountered a reaction and administered epinephrine. Epi-pen is one way to administer epinephrine. To learn more visit EpiPen.
2. Medical Alert Identification: One of the first things we did was buy a medic alert bracelet for our son. For some reason, very well-meaning adults were offering him treats. Medical alert bracelets or any kind of ID which makes others aware of your child’s food allergy is helpful. This varies depending on the child’s age. For younger children, visible ID can help if they are unable to answer themselves.
3. Visible Emergency Plan / Card: I created this card for my son’s EpiPen carrying case. It’s also a good idea to post this information in classrooms. This will help volunteers or substitute teachers that may not be familiar with the students. You may want to include a picture of the child, the foods they are allergic to, symptoms of a reaction, the emergency plan, and contact information. You can also purchase emergency cards which makes them easy to keep and store in multiple areas.
4. Medical Carrying Case: EpiPen’s and other medications can be cumbersome. My son, who is now an adult, has them fall out of his pocket regularly. I think it was easier when he was younger and I had the carrying cases that could be left with adults or in his backpack. A carrying case that can be attached to a backpack or worn as a belt is a nice way to ensure the medication is always with them or nearby.
5. Benadryl: This site does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor for medical advice. These are strictly learnings from a Mom of two children with life-threatening food allergies. I was told to carry Benadryl with our EpiPen’s. Benadryl can help relieve some symptoms but is not to be used in place of epinephrine but rather in conjunction with it.