Food Allergy Basics for All Ages
Welcome to our Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast. This is the second episode in our 6-part series about food allergies at different ages and stages of life. In this episode, we go over the basics of what you need to know after getting a new food allergy diagnosis.
This episode is made in partnership with The Itch Podcast. Co-hosts Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney talk about what food allergy is and why your body reacts to certain foods. They also explain how to stay safe and what to do in case of an allergic reaction. Learn when to use epinephrine and how new treatments might help. Get easy tips to make daily life safer.
Kortney also shares her own story and what has helped her live with food allergies for more than 30 years.
You can listen to the podcast at ItchPodcast.com or download it for listening anytime, anywhere, at:
Special thanks to Genentech and Aquestive for sponsoring this podcast episode. All opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is informational and not an endorsement.
What happens during a food allergy reaction?
Food allergies happen when your immune system sees a food as dangerous. Even a small amount can cause your body to react. You might get hives, throw-up, have trouble breathing, or feel very scared.
In this podcast, Dr. Gupta explains how reactions can happen quickly and become serious. The best way to stop a reaction is with epinephrine. We also talk about new treatments like oral immunotherapy (OIT) and omalizumab (Xolair). These treatments can help some people react less, but they are not cures. You still need to avoid your allergens, take epinephrine, and have a plan.
Key takeaways from Food Allergy Basics for All Ages
Here are the key points to remember about food allergies in the episode:
- Food allergies can be dangerous. They’re not the same as food sensitivities or intolerances.
- Use epinephrine right away. It’s the only medicine that stops a serious allergic reaction.
- Always carry two epinephrine devices. One might not be enough or you might need a backup.
- Avoid the food that causes your allergy. Even small the tiniest amount can cause a reaction.
- Have a food allergy action plan. It shows others what to do in an emergency.
Food Allergy Basics podcast timestamps
01:23 – What causes a food allergy reaction?
03:21 – How fast reactions happen and what can make them worse?
05:34 – What is OIT and Xolair?
09:28 – Why epinephrine is the best medicine to stop a reaction
11:10 – Two ways to take epinephrine
13:27 – Why you should always carry your epinephrine and how to remember it
16:09 – Why antihistamines aren’t enough
18:20 – Signs of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
21:23 – What is “a feeling of doom”?
22:21 – What to do after using epinephrine
24:21 – Why do you need two epinephrine devices?
25:30 – What’s a food allergy action plan?
26:50 – Should your home be free of your allergen?
28:28 – How to read food labels
30:23 – Feelings after a diagnosis and how to get support
