The only reliable treatment for a food allergy is the complete elimination of food allergens from the diet. Food allergies can result in a fatal reaction if not properly treated through avoidance. Avoiding problem foods, though often difficult, allows a person to completely avoid food allergy symptoms. 

Individuals with a food allergy will need to modify their diets to avoid problem food allergens. However, diligently working to avoid allergens is well worth the effort. An individual should work with a physician or dietitian to learn how to:

• Properly check food labels for problem ingredients
• Find hidden sources of food allergens
• Check to make sure a restaurant or dining facility is safe
• Avoid places where accidental allergen exposure might occur

If accidental exposure to a food allergen does occur, it is possible for the allergic individual to very rapidly go into life-threatening anaphylactic shock. For this reason, people should always use the drug epinephrine at the first sign of a strong food allergy reaction, or if they have knowingly ingested an allergen. Epinephrine quickly opens up the airways to restore normal breathing. People who have strong allergic reactions to food are advised to carry epinephrine injections and self-administer the medication as needed. These individuals are also advised to carry a medical alert bracelet or necklace to inform healthcare workers of their condition. After using epinephrine, a patient should always call for an ambulance.

There are also several medications that can help relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction if exposure to an allergen does occur. These medications are capable of reducing allergy symptoms, and some can provide emergency treatment in the case of a severe reaction. The types of medications used to treat allergy symptoms include:

• Antihistamines (interfere with the allergic reaction itself)
  
• Bronchodilators (open the airways and loosen mucus in the lungs)
  
• Corticosteroids (reduce or prevent inflammation)

People may be tempted to try alternative allergy treatments for relief from food allergies. Most of these types of treatment are untested, and most physicians are skeptical of their use. Patients should involve their physicians in any treatments that they are considering for the relief from or prevention of allergy symptoms.