8 Tips to Prevent Severe Anaphylaxis

When going out to eat inform the waiter/waitress about your food allergy and ask them to prepare your food separately in order to avoid cross-contamination with cooking utensils, pots or grills. Sometimes it may be prudent to ask to speak to the chef if the person waiting on your table seems unclear about your request.

Plan ahead when eating at a relative or friend’s home. Let them know well ahead of time about your food allergy. Remind them again within a day or two before the event. It doesn’t hurt to ask if they remembered one more time just before eating.

Always carry your epinephrine with you when eating out. Check the expiration date periodically and avoid leaving them in cars or exposed to extreme weather temperatures.

At least once a year, review how to use your epinephrine and share the steps with friends or relatives that are most often around you.

Get an alert bracelet that has an inscription which tells the reader what you have and what to do in case of emergency.

Periodically review the warning signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and the criteria for using your epinephrine device. Clarify any uncertainties about this with your doctor. Be very clear about the next step after injecting epinephrine which almost invariably is to call 911 (if not already done).

The two most common reasons people with established food allergy may not survive a severe reaction are failure to have epinephrine available, and delay in getting the injection of epinephrine. In other words, sometimes people wait too long to self-inject or give the injection to their child.