NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH ALLERGY
Finding out about your diagnosis can be overwhelming...
... below we share a number of insights and experiences that can support you navigate your way throughtout allergy management.
Please note that we use the word "management" because that's what, in pragmatic terms, can actually be done - to manage.
Why is that? Because, for instance, there is no cure for food allergies. Food allergies are managed by avoiding the problem - food(s) - and learning to recognize and treat reactions and symptoms. There are some therapies under study in clinical trials, but none has been approved yet for general use.
Don't get discouraged by the complexity of the topic - you can do this!
It will require, in our view, two things: i) hard work, and, ii) the help and trust of your close circle.
Below, we list a few topics that will help with your preparation:
- ergency Care
Establish your emergency kit/plan
Always have a backup kit nearby
Recognize and respond to reactions and symptoms
List all possible symptoms - even the ones you haven't experienced
Understand the "physiognomy" of symptoms
React promptly and firmly
Follow the plan
Read labels and menus
Understand the basics of food safety law
Learn how to read labels
Find your trusted brands
Learn how to identify allergens in restaurant menus
Always explain your condition at the restaurant when ordering
Double check and ask for confirmation of understanding
- Get to know the terminology
You can read our 101 section to get to know the basis
There are a variety of useful elements online - we suggest a few on our links section
Know your rights
There are mandatory requirements of food safety and labeling that are important to know while shopping and eating out
In some cases, like for allergic children in school age, there are safety protocols to follow like the PAI - Projet d’Accueil Individualisé
Call out the fear
Don't be stigmatized by allergies - talk it through
Find support - people like us at LAN and many others are eager to help you out
Don't reinvent the wheel - obviously everyone has their ways of doing things, but there's others that have been through what you are experiencing now, listen to what they have to say, it might help