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June 20, 2013
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Food Allergies (cont.)

Medications

Medicine is used to treat some food allergies. Medicines to treat a severe allergic reaction or an anaphylactic reaction are packaged in a prescribed allergy kit.

For mild allergic reactions, people often try nonprescription medicines first. You can try prescription medicines if over-the-counter medicines fail to control allergy symptoms or if they cause drowsiness or other bothersome side effects.

Medication Choices

Medicines used to treat a severe allergic reaction include:

  • Epinephrine. Epinephrine is given as a shot. It acts quickly to stop the further release of histamine and to relax the muscles that help you breathe.
  • Antihistamines. Antihistamines block the action of histamine during an allergic reaction and help improve symptoms such as itching and sneezing.
  • Corticosteroids. These medicines help reduce inflammation.

Medicines used to relieve mild food allergy symptoms include:

  • Antihistamines and corticosteroids for hives, gastrointestinal symptoms, or sneezing and a runny nose.
  • Bronchodilators for asthma symptoms. Bronchodilators relax the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

Other Places To Get Help

Organizations

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
555 East Wells Street
Suite 1100
Milwaukee, WI 53202-3823
Phone: 1-800-822-2762 (information and doctor referral line)
(414) 272-6071
Email: info@aaaai.org
Web Address: www.aaaai.org

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) is a professional organization representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals, and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. The AAAAI Web site provides information about current research and clinical trials, educational resources, and maintains the National Allergy Bureau, a comprehensive pollen information source with U.S. and Canadian pollen count information.


American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI)
85 West Algonquin Road
Suite 550
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: 1-800-842-7777 (allergist referral service)
Email: mail@acaai.org
Web Address: www.acaai.org

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) provides allergy information for consumers, including a nationwide allergist referral service.


Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
1233 20th Street NW
Suite 402
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 1-800-7-ASTHMA (1-800-727-8462)
Email: info@aafa.org
Web Address: www.aafa.org

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) provides information and support for people who have allergies or asthma. The AAFA has local chapters and support groups. And its Web site has online resources, such as fact sheets, brochures, and newsletters, both free and for purchase.


Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
11781 Lee Jackson Hwy
Suite 160
Fairfax, VA 22033-3309
Phone: 1-800-929-4040
Fax: (703) 691-2713
Email: faan@foodallergy.org
Web Address: www.foodallergy.org

The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) publishes several newsletters and dozens of books, booklets, and videos designed to educate people about food allergies. The nonprofit organization also works on federal, state, and local initiatives in such areas as food labeling, schools, emergency medical services, camps, restaurants, and airlines. The FAAN Web site includes links to children's and teenagers' food allergy Web sites.


National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health
NIAID Office of Communications and Government Relations
6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612
Bethesda, MD 20892-6612
Phone: 1-866-284-4107 toll-free
Phone: (301) 496-5717
Fax: (301) 402-3573
TDD: 1-800-877-8339
Web Address: www.niaid.nih.gov

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases conducts research and provides consumer information on infectious and immune-system-related diseases.


eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise

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