1. Use Over-the-Counter Medications for Mild Reactions
Mild food-allergy reactions, such as hives, congestion and wheezing, can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines. Administering the dosages indicated on the package over the course of several hours or one or two days often completely relieves the reaction. For reactions that last longer than two days, you'll probably need to go to the doctor for a prescription for short-term corticosteriods. The corticosteroid drug you're prescribed will give you powerful and fast relief from the allergic reaction symptoms and keep them at bay as all traces of the offending food are eliminated from your system.
2. Use an Inhaler or Other Asthma Medication
If you know you have asthmatic reactions to certain types of foods, your doctor may prescribe an emergency inhaler or some other type of asthma medication for accidental exposures. Some foods that commonly cause allergies, such as peanuts and wheat, can be hidden as trace ingredients in certain foods, and you may not even know you've been exposed until you start to develop symptoms of a reaction. Having an inhaler or other type of asthma medication on hand gives you the ability to put a stop to those reactions before they get out of hand. Unless you have a chronic asthmatic condition, you probably won't have to take asthma medicine except when you're having an allergic reaction.
3. Get a Prescription for an Epinephrine Autoinjector
An epinephrine autoinjector can save your life during a severe allergic reaction. Autoinjectors are pre-filled syringes you carry around with you that you can use to administer an injection to yourself, if needed. The epinephrine in the autoinjector will temporarily keep the symptoms of the allergic reaction on hold, giving you enough time to get to the hospital for more comprehensive treatment. Autoinjectors are generally easy to use. You should also teach your friends, family, co-workers and/or teachers how to use an autoinjector on you so they'll be prepared if the need arises.
