If you have a severe food allergy, you may be at risk of anaphylaxis and will need to take certain precautions. Despite reading menus and ingredients lists carefully, it's easy to eat a problem food by accident. Even a tiny amount of a problem food can trigger a severe reaction.
Ask your doctor for advice about what to do if you have an allergic reaction.
Let your family, friends and work colleagues know about your allergy, and how they can help you in the event of an emergency. Wear a bracelet or carry a card that gives details about your allergy. Carry a pre-loaded adrenaline syringe. Adrenaline is a hormone (a chemical that occurs naturally in your body) that relaxes muscles and so helps to reduce any swelling and make breathing easier. Single doses of adrenaline are available in the form of an EpiPen or AnaPen that consist of a sterile syringe of adrenaline that is ready to be used in an emergency. You will need to go to hospital immediately if you have anaphylaxis, even if using adrenaline has helped to reduce the reaction.
If your child has a severe allergy, you must make sure that all their carers and teachers have the information to react correctly in an emergency.
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