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Food is a big part of our lives, from daily meals to special occasions. But for people with food allergies, even a snack can be a serious health issue. Knowing how to recognize and manage food allergies is important—not just for those affected, but for caregivers, friends, and healthcare providers. Let’s break down the basics of food allergies, how they develop, and what to do when a reaction happens.

How to Recognize Food Allergies

Food allergies happen when the body’s immune system mistakes a specific food as harmful and triggers a reaction. These reactions can range from mild to severe and affect the skin, digestive tract, or respiratory system. ¹

Common symptoms include:

Itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
Hives or rash
Nausea or vomiting
Trouble breathing or wheezing
Drop in blood pressure or fainting, with anaphylaxis in severe cases

Some of the most common food allergens are:

Peanuts and tree nuts
Milk and dairy products
Eggs
Wheat
Soy
Fish and shellfish ²

If you or someone you know experiences discomfort after eating, keeping a food diary and talking to a healthcare provider or allergist for testing is the first step.

Food Allergies Can Change with Age

Food allergies aren’t just a childhood issue. While many children do “outgrow” allergies—especially to milk, eggs, soy, and wheat—others can persist into adulthood. Some adults can develop new allergies later in life, a condition known as adult-onset food allergy. ³

Certain factors can cause changes in allergy sensitivity:

Hormonal changes
Gut health and microbiome shifts
Environmental exposure
Underlying health conditions

Adults are more likely to develop allergies to shellfish, tree nuts, and fruits.⁴ Whatever the age, stay tuned to your body and talk to a healthcare provider if new symptoms arise.

What to Do If You’re Having an Allergic Reaction

If you think you’re having a food allergy reaction, act fast. Here’s what to do:

Stop eating the suspected food immediately.
Take an antihistamine, like diphenhydramine, for mild symptoms like itching or hives.
Use an epinephrine auto-injector, like an EpiPen® if symptoms are severe—especially if you’re having trouble breathing, dizzy or feel your throat swelling.
Call 911 or go to the nearest ER, even if you start to feel better. Allergic reactions can come in two waves, also known as biphasic anaphylaxis. ⁵

If you’ve never had a reaction before but suspect an allergy, avoid the food and get tested by an allergist. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Why it Pays to Talk to Your Pharmacist

Pharmacists are an accessible and reliable part of your healthcare team. Pharmacists can be helpful in many ways when treating food allergies:

Can check for allergens in medications – some medications contain food-derived components like lactose, soy, or peanut oil.
Give information on the proper use and storage of epinephrine auto-injectors.
Help you find the most affordable allergy medications.

You can also ask about drug reviews at your local pharmacy to ensure what you’re taking won’t give you an allergic reaction. Pharmacists are trained to detect possible allergens in prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs.

And don’t forget – many pharmacies offer nutrition consultation programs. If you have multiple dietary restrictions, a pharmacist can help you and your physician or dietician to ensure you’re still getting balanced nutrition.

Allergy Management on a Budget

Managing food allergies is expensive – especially with epinephrine auto-injectors and food modifications. The good news is that cost-saving substitutes can be determined with the help of pharmacists, including:

Generic epinephrine auto-injectors.
Pharmacy discount programs.
Nutrition supplement recommendations to replace nutrients eliminated from your diet due to food exclusion.

It is important to have affordable access to drugs, particularly for individuals or households with multiple health requirements. Ask your pharmacist if your existing insurance plan covers allergy drugs, or if there are coupons provided by manufacturers.

Food allergies can be quite an annoyance in your life, but with knowledge and proper management, they don’t have to be overwhelming. From recognizing symptoms to seeking medical advice and working with pharmacists, there are plenty of ways you can keep those with food allergies safe while maintaining a balanced diet. Whether food allergies develop in childhood or adulthood, being proactive and making sure you’re informed is the key to making food choices confidently. Being up to date on information, resources, and risks, those with food allergies can live healthy and fulfilling lives while minimizing the impact of allergic reactions.