Patient discussions
Food allergy education for patients and their carers is critical to the success of its management, which relies on allergen avoidance and a readiness to recognise and treat allergic reactions.[103]
For children with food allergies, each stage of their development produces different safety and psychosocial issues, as well as changing roles for the child in their own self-management.[103] Therefore, there is a need for ongoing education that is tailored to the child's and family's needs at every developmental stage.[3][103] To meet this need the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) has developed a range of age-specific, evidence-based, patient education handouts with practical recommendations for managing and coping with food allergies in everyday life.[103] These handouts could be used as an educational resource during healthcare visits, and directly accessed online by families. AAAAI: food allergy stages handouts Opens in new window
The Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), Allergy UK, and AAAAI websites may also be useful information sources for patients. FARE: food allergy research and education Opens in new window AAAAI: allergy asthma and immunology resources Opens in new window Allergy UK: supporting people living with allergy Opens in new window
Specific discussions with patients and carers may include that they should carefully read food labels and take special precautions in restaurants to prevent accidental ingestion. Patients should also obtain medical identification jewellery, be able to identify symptoms of an allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, raised splotches on the skin), know how to use their epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injectors, and be able to activate emergency response services. Individualised written allergy action plans are often helpful for families in preparing for treatment of an allergic reaction to food.[72] AAP: allergy and anaphylaxis emergency plan Opens in new window Patients should notify their primary care physician about allergic episodes and obtain prompt follow-up with an allergist when they occur. Parents of children with life-threatening food allergies should inform the child's school of the child's allergy history and provide the school with a copy of a written anaphylaxis action plan prepared by the child's doctor.[104]
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