Working with your care team to manage food allergies
Your care team includes doctors, family members, and friends and is the key to helping navigate food allergies and supporting your children so they are able to keep doing what they love.
The role of a pediatrician
Pediatricians are often the first point of care and can recognize the signs and symptoms of food allergy versus food intolerance. Some pediatricians may perform allergy testing. If a food allergy is suspected, pediatricians may refer families to an allergist for additional food allergy testing and treatment. Keep in mind, it’s important for children to continue to see their pediatrician for annual well visits.
The role of an allergist
An allergist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, asthma, and immune system conditions.
An appointment usually begins with a complete medical history of the patient, including any family history of allergic reactions. The allergist will want to know which foods are causing a reaction and what the reaction looks and feels like. An allergist may provide additional allergy testing.
Find an allergist
Use the search tool to find an allergist in your area.
The directory of allergists has been developed by The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) based on their independent evaluation. Neither Genentech nor Novartis provided any input in the development of the directory and make no endorsement of any of the physicians named.
Diagnosing childhood food allergies
The doctor will use one of or a combination of the following procedures to identify your child’s triggers:
- Skin prick tests
- Blood tests
- Food challenges
Knowledge is power
Get tips and strategies on food allergies in children.
Knowledge is power
Get tips and strategies on food allergies in children.
Thinking about ongoing care
The most common approach for food allergy is avoidance. Your doctor can help teach your child and family ways to avoid the foods they are allergic to by understanding how to read food labels.
Consider using a food diary for tracking what your child eats and any symptoms they experience. You will bring the food diary to appointments and review it with the doctor.
Your doctor can also provide food allergy treatments.
Questions to ask your doctor
To help make the most of your visit with the doctor, here’s a list of helpful questions. Download or print the Doctor Discussion Guide and take it with you to your next appointment.
- What is causing my child’s allergy symptoms?
- How can I help my child avoid being exposed to the allergen?
- Will my child’s allergies affect their growth and development?
- How do I talk to my child about the allergy and explain its risks?
- What treatment options are available?
- How do I teach my child to stay safe from the allergen and to administer treatment if needed?
- Will the allergies get worse without treatment?
- Are my child’s allergies potentially life-threatening?
- How do I allergy proof my home?
- Will my child outgrow the allergies?
- How do common comorbid conditions like asthma or eczema affect my child’s food allergy?
- Should my child be referred to an allergist for additional tests?
Other members of a care team
Along with your child's pediatrician and allergist, you might seek care for your child from other medical professionals.
Dietitians
Dietitians are trained to be able to provide dietary advice specialized for people with food allergy and their caregivers.
Mental health professionals
Mental health professionals are trained to provide counseling and support to individuals with food allergy and their caregivers. This support includes working with patients and caregivers to identify and discuss psychosocial concerns (eg, bullying), validating feelings that come with food allergy, and managing food allergy with participation in daily activities.
School nurse
School nurses can help manage allergic reactions while children are at school. Most states have laws that allow schools to stock epinephrine auto-injectors to treat severe allergic reactions; these are often managed by the school nurse.
Clinical specialists
Clinical specialists have access to more advanced diagnostic testing methods and clinics specializing in allergy care. They can provide significant knowledge to parents to improve management of their child’s allergic reactions to food.
Did you know?
Children from families with incomes below the poverty level are less likely to report having a food allergy than children from families with higher incomes.
Black children have much higher odds of having a food allergy compared to White children, and the odds are also higher for Hispanic and Asian children (but not significantly).
Stay informed on childhood food allergies
Get tips, strategies, tools, and inspiration, plus helpful information on food allergies in children.
Stay informed on childhood food allergies
Get tips, strategies, tools, and inspiration, plus helpful information on food allergies in children.