What happens if food allergy is not treated?

Food allergy is an immune response that can affect the skin, mouth, gut, breathing, or circulation. Reactions may include facial swelling, itchy throat, hives, vomiting, wheezing, dizziness, or collapse. The pattern and severity can vary between exposures, so a previously mild reaction does not reliably predict the next one. Avoiding the trigger without confirming it can also lead to unnecessary food restriction or missed allergens.

Arrange Allergy Testing or a clinical assessment to identify likely triggers and distinguish allergy from intolerance. Learn how to read ingredient labels, ask about cross-contact, and tell family, school, or workplace contacts. If an emergency medicine has been prescribed, keep it available and learn the action plan. Do not deliberately re-expose yourself to a suspected food at home.

Use the prescribed emergency medicine and call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, throat tightness, facial or tongue swelling, faintness, collapse, or symptoms involving more than one body system after eating. These may indicate Anaphylaxis. Do not wait to see whether symptoms settle, and do not drive yourself if you are becoming unwell.

Ask which foods or ingredients need avoiding, whether you need an emergency medicine, how to use it, and how to explain your action plan to people who care for you.