I have had diabetes my entire life, and I am very thankful for the fact that modern medical discoveries have helped me live a happy, healthy life despite my disease. I have had to watch what I eat and take medications daily for most of my life, and while i used to feel like I was "missing out" when other children were able to eat sugary candy and I wasn't, I eventually learned that sugar-free candy tastes great. I am always keeping up on the latest diabetes research, and while researching, I have also learned about many other diseases and ailments and how they are treated and controlled. I know others are too busy to browse a bunch of medical websites, like I like to do, so I decided to start a blog that others can visit that contains information on a variety of medical topics all in one place!
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Dealing With Food Allergies: 3 Life-Saving Steps To Take
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Having an allergic reaction to food can be a scary experience. Your face may start to flare up and you may have severe breathing problems. In order to deal with food allergies in an apt manner, these steps can be taken.
Wear a Medical Identification Bracelet
When you are out in public, you may experience a life-threatening reaction. When this happens, it's important for medical professionals to know your medical history and what things you are allergic to specifically in order to treat you in a prompt manner. This is possible when you wear a medical identification bracelet.
These bracelets come with an online account, giving you the ability to put in your medical information and update it throughout your life. There's a scannable QR code on the bracelet, so medical professionals can instantly know everything they need to know about your food allergies once you reach the hospital.
Seek Help from a Board-Certified Allergist
It's important to not diagnose your own food allergies, as this could result in you eating the wrong foods. As a result, you may not get the right amount of nutrients each day. Instead, it's smart to seek help from a board-certified allergist.
This allergist will fist get your medical history and document what foods in the past have caused a reaction. Then, the professional will perform a series of tests, such as the skin prick test. During this test, the allergist will get a drop of a food allergen and prick your skin with a needle. This will allow the food allergen to enter through the skin's surface.
If the food allergen tests positive, there will be a small white mark surrounded by a circle of red skin. This skin will also be itchy. Thanks to this test, the allergist can pinpoint exactly what foods you should stay away from.
Utilize Emergency Medication
Perhaps one of the most important steps to take when suffering from a food allergen is to utilize emergency medication. Once you suffer from a reaction, emergency medication can be used to treat the symptoms. That way, you don't have to feel as much irritation or pain.
Sometimes your food allergies may be life-threatening and every second counts. For these instances, epinephrine will come in handy. This drug will treat your symptoms, helping you stay alive and breathing. Since this drug is self-injectable, you can put it in your body safely.
After injecting this drug into your body, it's important to call 911. Medical professionals will further diagnose your allergic reaction and may give you other medication, such as steroids.
A food allergy can be stressful, but you can deal with this situation correctly by taking these steps. Despite having food allergies, they will help you live a normal, happy life.
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