Part 2 Pertinent Food Allergy Education in a Pediatric Ambulatory Care Setting with a Focus on Anaphylaxis

Abstract

Management of food allergy on a daily basis is multifaceted, time consuming, costly, and becomes compounded when multiple food allergies are involved. Allergen avoidance methodologies, monitoring of signs/symptoms of allergic reactions, handling serious medication needs, and planning ahead for a potential emergency due to an accidental exposure can be demanding concerns to the patient/family. Due to the complexity of this diagnosis, its implications to health-related quality of life, and extensive patient/family informational needs, it was necessary to divide this article into a 2-part series. This is the second article of the series. The content of Part 1 of the series focused on patient education associated with common food allergens, food allergy avoidance (eg, allergen identification, ingredient label reading, hidden allergens, cross-contact, precautionary labeling, potential routes of accidental exposures) and the food allergy action plan. Part 2 of the series reviews food-induced anaphylaxis and ass...