Self-management checklist for shellfish allergy: how to put it into practice every day
Fix four things in place — avoidance, records, emergency response and follow-up visits — and managing it won't depend on your memory.
The checklist can look like this
- Avoidance: be clear about which types you need to avoid, plus seasonings and mixed foods that contain shellfish
- Shopping: read the ingredient list and allergen warnings, and note that different flavours of the same brand can differ
- Eating out: have a few set sentences ready to explain your situation, and ask about the soup base, sauces and cooking oil
- Emergency: carry your emergency plan with you, and make sure family members and teachers know how to use it
- Records: keep a symptom diary, including the food, the time, the symptoms and what you did
- Follow-up visits: keep to the planned follow-up, and leave repeat tests and re-assessment to your doctor to arrange
How to keep it up
Stick the checklist on the fridge or in a phone note, and go through it before shopping or going out. Update your emergency supplies and contact details every six months. Make sure the whole family knows the key points, so the information isn't held by just one person.
Things not to do
Don't let your guard down just because you've had no symptoms for a while. Don't try things on your own without an assessment. And don't avoid all shellfish and related foods out of worry, as this can affect nutrition and quality of life.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.