What are the treatment options for nut allergy? Part 2

Average rating:

Principles of treatment

It is unlikely that you will always be able to avoid contact with nuts and you may be accidentally exposed to nuts at any time. So, be prepared:

1. Make sure that you, and others around you like your friends and family, know that you are allergic to nuts and what to do if an allergic reaction starts:

If your child has a nut allergy then make sure that anyone else who looks after your child knows about it and knows what to do if a reaction starts. For example, nursery staff, babysitters, teachers and other parents.
You should (or your child should if they have an allergy) wear a medical alert bracelet, or carry some kind of ID with you that tells other people about your allergy.

2. If an allergic reaction starts, get the right treatment quickly:

It is vitally important that if an allergic reaction starts you get treatment as quickly as possible. The sooner your reaction is treated, the better.
Mild reactions can be treated with an antihistamine medicine.
More serious reactions are treated with adrenaline which, if given quickly, can reverse the symptoms of the reaction.
Adrenaline is given by an injection so that it can start to work straightaway. If you have a severe reaction to nuts you will be given an adrenaline injection (like a pen) that you can carry with you all the time. Brand names include Epipen and Anapen.
These adrenaline injections come in different doses for adults and children. They work by injecting adrenaline into your thigh muscle when you press a button or jab it against your skin.
If you have a severe allergy you must carry your adrenaline injection with you at all times. Some people keep adrenaline in the places where they spend most of their time, for example, at home, at school or at work. Many people carry two injections 'just in case'.
Check the expiry date on the adrenaline regularly. If it passes the expiry date, get a new one. Also, make sure that you know how to use it properly. Your family and friends should know how to use it too, in case you are not able to.