What medicine to take for food allergy symptoms

When symptoms related to food allergy occur, second-generation non-sedating antihistamines are the first choice to relieve mild allergic symptoms of the skin and mucous membranes. If severe allergic reactions such as dyspnea, laryngeal edema, and drop in blood pressure occur, emergency injection of epinephrine is required as soon as possible. Glucocorticoids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, etc. can be used as auxiliary medications as directed by the doctor.

What we usually encounter the most is that after eating highly allergenic foods such as mango, seafood, and nuts, we develop wheals, swollen eyelids, and itchy and swollen lips. If there is no other discomfort, just take one loratadine or cetirizine according to the instructions. Most of the time, you will feel the itching is relieved in 1 to 2 hours, and the rash will slowly subside. Occasionally, people with special physiques may feel a little sleepy after eating, and just take a rest without any additional treatment.

Nowadays, there are different clinical tendencies on whether to use corticosteroids for mild to moderate food allergies. Some doctors believe that as long as there are no respiratory and systemic symptoms, antihistamines alone are enough. However, the hasty use of oral corticosteroids may cause metabolic disorders and immune fluctuations. Some doctors also recommend that patients with allergic constitutions and previous severe allergies should take a small dose of prednisone for three days when a rash is accompanied by a prodromal feeling of tightness in the throat and slight chest tightness to avoid progression to severe disease.

I met a sophomore girl at the allergy clinic a while ago. She had a clear history of milk allergy. She accidentally drank half a cup of milk tea that day, and she got windy at first. She took loratadine without taking it seriously. After half an hour, she started to feel out of breath. When her roommate brought it to her, she couldn't speak completely. So she quickly gave her epinephrine. She was given glucocorticoids and was observed for an afternoon before she recovered. Later, I repeatedly told her that people with a history of severe allergies should have an epinephrine pen with them. If they really eat the wrong thing, they can stick it on the outside of the thigh immediately and run to the hospital. It is more effective than taking any conventional anti-allergic medicine. If the laryngeal edema develops, taking medicine will not be able to catch up.

Of course, not all food allergies require medication. Last week, a mother brought her three-year-old baby here. She said that the baby had a red mouth after eating a mouthful of strawberry, but had no other symptoms. I asked her to go back and apply cold saline on the baby's face. She should not touch strawberries anymore. The next day, the parents sent a message saying that it was all gone and she didn't even take medicine.

By the way, there are still many people asking whether taking probiotics can cure food allergies. Currently, there is not enough evidence-based evidence to support the routine use of probiotics to treat food allergies. The auxiliary effects of specific strains mentioned in individual studies on infants and young children's milk allergy must be used under the guidance of a doctor. Don't just buy probiotic health products that cost hundreds of dollars, which may delay things. Finally, I would like to remind you that in the final analysis, "prevention is better than cure" for food allergies. It is much better to remember clearly what foods you are allergic to and avoid them as much as possible than to suffer the consequences of taking medicine if you are allergic.