The only form of treatment for food allergies is the complete removal of problem foods from the diet. There are currently no drugs available that can prevent a food allergy from taking place. Food allergies can be deadly if avoidance is not practiced diligently.

A person can successfully remove troublesome foods from their diet by paying close attention to the ingredients in the foods they eat. Successfully controlling a food allergy requires a person to check the ingredient labels on foods at the grocery store and ask about ingredients and preparation techniques at restaurants.

If a reaction to a food allergy does accidentally occur, treatment is focused on relieving symptoms. There are a variety of medications that may be recommended depending on the severity of the reaction:

• Antihistamines. Medications that provide relief for more common allergy reactions such as hives, sneezing, runny nose and gastrointestinal symptoms.
  
  
• Bronchodilators. Medications that open the airways of the lungs, relieving symptoms such as shortness of breath or wheezing.
  

  

• Epinephrine injection. Used for the most severe allergic reactions involving life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Most physicians recommend that individuals who are susceptible to severe reactions carry an injection of epinephrine with them at all times and understand how to self-administer the drug.
  
  
• Corticosteroids. Medications that reduce inflammation. These medications are most commonly used to treat severe allergic conditions.