Food allergy should not be confused with food intolerance, which does not involve the immune system and is much more common. Though symptoms can be similar, especially stomach ailments, those with food intolerance may be able to consume the food occasionally or in small amounts. To avoid allergy-producing foods, patients should carefully read the list of ingredients on packaged foods. Peanut, egg and milk products often appear in preparations like salad dressings. People with anaphylactic reactions to a food should wear medical alert bracelets or tags and carry a syringe of epinephrine, or adrenaline, which they or their parents have learned to administer.
Epinephrine works by stimulating the nervous system and heart, and increasing blood pressure.
Patients can also join the Food Allergy Network or similar groups to stay abreast of recent information, suggests Furukawa.