There are two main types of medication that can be used to relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction to foods:

• antihistamines, which can be used to treat mild to moderate allergic reaction
• adrenaline, which can be used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

Antihistamines

Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is responsible for many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Many antihistamines are available from your pharmacist without prescription – stock up in case of an emergency. Non-drowsy antihistamines are preferred.

Some antihistamines, such as alimemazine and promethazine, aren't suitable for children under two years old. If you have a younger child with a food allergy, ask your GP about what types of antihistamines may be suitable.

Avoid drinking alcohol after taking an antihistamine as this can make you feel drowsy.

Adrenaline

Adrenaline works by narrowing the blood vessels to counteract the effects of low blood pressure, and by opening up the airways to help ease breathing difficulties.

If you or your child is at risk of anaphylaxis or has had a previous episode of anaphylaxis, you will be given an auto-injector of adrenaline to use in case of emergencies.

Carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the auto-injector and when your child is old enough, train them how to use it (see below).

Using an auto-injector

If you suspect that somebody is experiencing the symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Tell the operator that you think the person has anaphylaxis.

Older children and adults will probably have been trained to inject themselves. You may need to inject younger children, or older children and adults who are too sick to inject themselves.

There are three types of auto-injectors:

• EpiPen
• Anapen
• Jext

All three work in much the same way. If anaphylaxis is suspected, you should remove the safety cap from the injector, place it against your outer thigh (holding it at a right angle) and hold down the firing button at the end of the injector. The injections can be given through clothing.

This will send a needle into your thigh and deliver a dose of adrenaline. You need to hold down the button for 10 seconds.

If the person is unconscious, check their airways are open and clear, and check their breathing. Then put them in the recovery position (see below). Putting someone who is unconscious in the recovery position ensures they do not choke on their vomit.

Place the person on their side, making sure they are supported by one leg and one arm. Open the airway by tilting the head and lifting the chin.

If the person's breathing or heart stops, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be performed.

Owning an auto-injector

As a precaution, the following advice should be taken: 

• Carry the auto-injector at all times or encourage your child to do so if they are old enough. You may be recommended to carry multiple injectors – check with your GP or the doctor in charge of your care. You may also be given an emergency card or bracelet with full details of your child’s allergy and contact details of their doctor, to alert others. They should wear this at all times.
• Extreme temperatures can make adrenaline less effective. Do not leave an auto-injector in places such as your fridge or the glove compartment of your car.
• Check the expiry date regularly. EpiPen and Jext have a shelf life of 18 months after the date of manufacture, and Anapen has a shelf life of two years. An out-of-date injector will only offer limited protection.
• The manufacturers offer a reminder service, where you can be contacted near the date of expiry. Check the information leaflet that comes with the medication for more information.
• If your child has an auto-injector, they will need to change over to an adult dose once they reach a weight of 30 kilos (4.7 stone). Depending on the shape and size of your child’s body, this could be anywhere between the ages of 5 and 11 years old.
• Do not delay injecting if you think you or your child may be experiencing the start of anaphylaxis, even if the initial symptoms are mild. It's better to use adrenaline early and find out it was a false alarm than delay treatment until you are sure your child is experiencing severe anaphylaxis.