Daily coping strategies for patients and their families

The diagnosis of food allergy in a child has an impact on every minute of every day for the child and the child's family. The patient and family must learn how to read labels, adapt recipes, and educate other family members, child care providers, camp counselors, and teachers. They must know how to recognize symptoms of a reaction and what to do during a reaction. Decisions such as which restaurant to go to and where to go on vacation take on new meaning, as family decisions must be centered on avoidance of the child's food allergen. It is possible to manage food allergies successfully while allowing the child to participate in common childhood activities. Education of the family is key. This discussion provides the pediatrician or primary care physician with practical information for educating patients and their families about managing food allergy.