Food allergy management: How are food allergies managed?

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

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Overview

Food allergies affect both children and adults

and occur when the immune system adversely responds to certain foods. Reactions range from minor symptoms such as hives or itching to severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) that require emergency care. While there is no cure for most food allergies, proper management reduces the likelihood of allergic responses, allowing patients to live more comfortably. This guide explains how food allergies are managed, available management options, emergency preparedness, and when to seek
medical advice. In Australia, common food allergy triggers include peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, cow’s milk, shellfish, fish, wheat, soy, and sesame.

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is an immunological response to proteins found in particular foods. Even modest amounts of the trigger food can cause symptoms. Food allergies can lead to severe or fatal reactions, whereas food intolerance mostly affects digestion and does not involve the immune system. A precise diagnosis prevents unnecessary food restrictions while also enabling adequate care and emergency preparation.

Key facts:

• A food allergy develops when the immune system overreacts to a food protein.
• Symptoms often appear within minutes to two hours of consuming the trigger food.
• Food intolerance does not affect the immune system and is usually milder.
• A proper diagnosis by a healthcare expert is required.

Common food allergy symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person and may affect the skin, digestive system, airways, or cardiovascular system.

Mild to moderate symptoms

• Itchy mouth or throat
• Hives (urticaria)
• Red, itchy skin rash
• Swelling of the lips, cheeks, or eyes
• Abdominal discomfort or stomach cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Sneezing or a runny nose

Severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis)

Anaphylaxis symptoms demand prompt emergency care.

• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing or persistent cough
• Swelling in the throat or tongue
• Difficulties speaking or swallowing
• Dizziness or fainting
• Collapse or loss of consciousness

Emergency note: If you experience severe, worsening, or life-threatening symptoms, call 000 immediately and, if prescribed, use an adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector.

How are food allergies diagnosed?

Food allergies must always be diagnosed by a healthcare expert, rather than by self-testing or food elimination alone.

Diagnosis can include:

• A thorough medical history, including symptoms and potential trigger foods.
• Physical examination
• Skin prick tests
• Blood testing for allergy antibodies (IgE)
• An oral food challenge under intensive medical monitoring, if appropriate.

Self-diagnosing food allergies can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions and missed diagnoses.

How are food allergies managed?

Food allergy management involves preventing allergic reactions and preparing for accidental exposure.

Identify and avoid trigger foods

• Learn which foods cause your allergy
• Avoid foods containing known allergens
• Ask about the ingredients when dining out or buying takeout
• Inform schools, daycare providers, and employers about the allergy where appropriate
• Read food labels carefully

When buying packaged goods, always read the ingredient labels.

Remember that ingredients and recipes are subject to change.

Before consuming any food or drink, carefully read the Australian allergy statements.

Prevent cross-contamination

• Use separate chopping boards and utensils for allergen-free items
• Wash your hands and food preparation surfaces thoroughly
• Keep allergen-free meals separate
• Take extra precautions when dining at restaurants, parties, or social gatherings

Have an allergy action plan

• Recognise the early symptoms of an allergic reaction
• Know when to take emergency medications
• Ensure family members, caregivers, teachers, and others understand the plan
• Keep emergency contact information readily available

Living well with a food allergy

Managing a food allergy gets easier with proper planning and practices.

• Plan your meals before going on a trip or attending an event
• When travelling, have nutritious meals with you
• Before ordering at a restaurant or café, inform them of your allergies
• Wear a medical identification bracelet if suggested
• Teach children how to recognise risky foods
• Check the expiry date of your adrenaline auto-injectors regularly

Can food allergies be prevented?

Current evidence suggests that introducing common allergenic foods

at the age recommended by healthcare professionals may help reduce the risk of certain food allergies in infants.

However, preventative techniques differ depending on the individual situation.

Recommendations include:

• Follow the latest newborn feeding standards.
• Seek medical advice before introducing allergenic foods if your child is considered high risk.
• Avoid unnecessary elimination diets unless advised by a healthcare expert.
• Discuss personalised allergy prevention strategies with your doctor or allergy specialist.

When should you see a doctor?

If you suspect a food allergy, you should seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and personalised management plan. Early detection can help identify trigger foods, lower the likelihood of future responses, and ensure you know how to respond in an emergency.

You should visit a doctor if:

• You develop symptoms after consuming certain meals.
• You suspect that you or your child has a food allergy.
• Allergic responses increase in frequency or severity.
• A child experiences suspected symptoms of a food allergy.
• Your current allergy management strategy or medication plan needs to be reconsidered.
• You need advice on avoiding allergens or managing your diet safely.

Medical emergencies: When immediate care is needed

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if someone develops:

• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing or persistent cough
• Swelling in the throat or tongue
• Difficulties speaking or swallowing
• Chronic dizziness or fainting
• Collapse or loss of consciousness
• Any signs of anaphylaxis after consuming a potential allergen

Emergency note: Use an adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector immediately if available and call 000 for an ambulance. ven if symptoms improve after using the auto-injector, the person should still be assessed in a hospital, as further treatment or observation may be required.

Can telehealth help with food allergy management?

Telehealth can be a handy option for getting medical advice on food allergies, especially for follow-up treatment and ongoing management. However, allergy testing and severe allergic responses necessitate an in-person medical examination.

A telehealth consultation may help with:

• Reviewing allergy symptoms
• Discussing potential food allergies
• Offering tips on avoiding allergies
• Reviewing and revising allergy action plans
• Refilling prescriptions for allergy medications when clinically indicated
• Referrals to allergy specialists or certified practising dietitians

An in-person appointment is suggested if allergy tests, a physical examination, or emergency treatment are required.

How Hola Health can help

If you have concerns about food allergies, Hola Health provides easy access to qualified doctors through telehealth consultations.

• Online doctor consultations:
  Speak with an AHPRA-registered doctor about possible food allergy symptoms, repeated reactions, or allergy management concerns from the comfort of your home.
• Assessment of possible food allergies:
  A doctor can examine your symptoms, explore potential causes, and advise on whether more investigations or specialised examinations are required.
• Allergy management advice:
  Get personalised guidance on avoiding allergens, identifying allergy symptoms, and developing a realistic treatment plan.
• Online prescriptions:
  Following an assessment, doctors can issue prescriptions for appropriate allergy medications if clinically indicated.
• Medical certificates:
  If an allergic illness affects your capacity to work or study, eligible patients may be granted a medical certificate following a clinical evaluation.
• Referrals to specialists:
  Doctors may refer you to an allergy expert or dietician for further testing, continuing treatment, or dietary advice.

Food allergy safety checklist

• Identify your allergy triggers.
• Always read food labels when buying packaged items.
• Avoid cross-contamination during food preparation.
• Always carry your prescription emergency medicine.
• Maintain an updated allergy action plan.
• Inform schools, workplaces, caregivers, and restaurants of your allergy.
• Check your adrenaline auto-injector’s expiry date periodically.
• Schedule regular medical evaluations to update your allergy treatment strategy.

Conclusion

Food allergy treatment focuses on identifying and avoiding trigger foods, promptly recognising symptoms, and being prepared to respond if you’re accidentally exposed. Many people may effectively manage food allergies and reduce the risk of severe reactions by receiving an accurate diagnosis, an allergy action plan, and appropriate medical care. Regular evaluations with a healthcare expert can ensure that your management strategy stays effective as your needs change.