Page 20 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

around me. I was always reading labels and checking before I put anything in my mouth whereas other children could eat whatever they wanted.
Lindsay – I realized the severity of my allergies around the age of 6 when I was entering elementary school. This was also when I became responsible for carrying my own auto-injector. This made me feel different and isolated at times.
Have you ever had a “biphasic reaction” where the symptoms came back after initial treatment? Emily Rose – No I haven’t.
Giulia - Yes, I’ve had a biphasic reaction once in my life. After the initial allergic reaction, and the administration of epinephrine, I had thought that calling the ambulance was unnecessary because I was feeling better. Around 40 minutes later, my previous symptoms had returned and intensified.
Lindsay - Luckily I have not!
When do you know that it’s really an allergic reaction? Is it hard to tell?
Emily Rose – I start to feel a tightening feeling in my mouth. This is usually shortly followed by other symptoms.
Giulia - My allergist told me a helpful tip that I keep in mind. He told me that, if you are having more than one symptom at the same time, it is likely an allergic reaction. If you puke, for example, it may not be a symptom of an allergic reaction. But, if you puke and are experiencing shortness of breath or red, itchy skin, it is most likely an allergic reaction, and I know I should take it seriously.
Lindsay - I know that it is really an allergic reaction when my initial symptoms don’t go away after drinking some water and a few minutes has passed. It can be hard to tell. But, once you know, you know!
Summary Tips
1) Remember to Think “FAST” to remember the symptoms that happen to the Face, Airway, Stomach, and Total body.
2) Symptoms can happen within minutes of coming into contact with your allergen.
3) A “biphasic reaction” is when the symptoms reappear after the initial treatment. They can occur up to several hours afterwards.