k12allergies

Megan (@allergieswithcalliee – 18+ years old)

July 25, 2026 / , ,

I found out about my allergies when I was turning 26. As a child, I was always picky and didn’t like certain foods. When I finally did an allergy test, it turned out I was actually allergic to most of them. There were also foods I never suspected, like beef, coffee, and garlic. I haven’t necessarily overcome my food allergies, but I’ve been able to navigate them and adjust my diet. It takes time and patience with yourself.

I didn’t use any websites for my allergies. I went to the doctor, and we talked it through together.

We used allergy shots, Xolair, and asthma medications (ProAir and Breo).

Ella (@Allergylife_unfiltered – 5 years old)

July 25, 2026 / , , , ,

We first noticed Ella’s allergies as a baby when she reacted badly to formula, and later to yogurt during weaning. She was formally diagnosed with a dairy allergy, and since then we’ve discovered she’s also allergic to honey, cattle meat, dog and goat dander, latex, dust mites, pollen, and certain trees and grasses. We’re currently checking for pollen allergy syndrome as well as idiopathic anaphylaxis, since she’s had a severe reaction with no known cause. She hasn’t outgrown her allergies, so we manage them through strict avoidance, ongoing monitoring, and by always carrying emergency medication.

We didn’t rely on websites to diagnose Ella’s allergies. Her diagnosis came through multiple allergists, combined with our own observations over the past five years. Along the way, we’ve learned so much through trial and error and medical guidance, and we now use that knowledge to advocate in schools and on Instagram to raise awareness about allergy life. I’m also in the process of writing a book to support families living with severe allergies and to help educate others about the challenges children like Ella face every day.

We used Flixotide and antihistamine medications.

Cassie (@AnalyzingAnaphylaxis – 18+ years old)

July 25, 2026 / , , , , ,

I was 6 months old when I had my first anaphylactic reaction. This continued throughout my childhood. My mom would notice redness all over my face, as well as huge patches of eczema. I was genetically tested as soon as I was able to be. I have outgrown a few food allergies, but I still struggle with the anaphylactic ones.

My mom spoke directly to doctors, since there wasn’t much information online about food allergies during my childhood.

We used lots of steroids throughout my life, along with epinephrine and various asthma medications.

(@my_allergy_baby – 1.5 years old) 

July 25, 2026 / , ,

We figured out my son had food allergies when he had an allergic reaction to dairy simply by touching his skin. Later, we did a skin allergy test that gave us an idea of all his allergens. We are currently working on overcoming his allergies, so this is an ongoing process.

We didn’t use any websites. We went straight to a food allergist, who explained his different food allergies. We’ve also gone through trial and error, figuring out which other foods he’s allergic to as we introduce new foods.

Lei (18+ years old)

July 25, 2026 / , , , , , , ,

We found out about our daughter’s allergies when she reacted with hives to peanut butter at 5 months old. We saw an allergist, who found allergies to peanut, dog, dairy, and egg. Since then, she’s also reacted to flax and cashew. We’re still in the thick of it and learning fast, but we’re on a list to start OIT (oral immunotherapy) and are working on egg and dairy ladders.

I’ve found it helpful to follow content creators of food-allergy kids, as well as joining allergy parent groups on Reddit and Facebook. The biggest help has been finding people who can relate, since I don’t know anyone in my life who deals with food allergies.

We used Rupall medications.

Auden (@auggieshealthdiary – 18+ years old)

July 25, 2026 / , ,

At age 20, I developed sudden-onset, life-threatening food allergies after a severe tonsillitis infection, which triggered Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). In this condition, the body’s mast cells overreact and release chemicals that cause allergic-like reactions. I had no prior history of food allergies, so this shift was incredibly unexpected and difficult to adjust to. While I haven’t overcome the allergies, I manage them by strictly avoiding trigger foods and working closely with specialists to stay safe.

I found the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) website really helpful for understanding allergic reactions and how MCAS can cause life-threatening responses even to foods I previously tolerated. I also follow @foodallergycounselour on Instagram, who spreads awareness about food allergies and helps address the worries and anxieties that come with having them. Their content made it easier to navigate the overwhelming amount of information and advocate for myself with specialists.

I carry EpiPens and take antihistamines.

(@Allergymomx2 – 5 years old)

July 25, 2026 / , , , ,

I figured out my son had allergies when he struggled as an infant with bottle feeding. He would arch his back, spit up a lot, and was fussy with colic. He also had eczema. We brought him to an allergist, who confirmed his food allergies through a skin prick test and bloodwork.

I used FARE’s website to help me, as well as stories from moms on Instagram and the Food Allergy Moms Facebook page.

(@Young_healerss – 7 years old)

July 25, 2026 / , , , , , ,

My husband had allergies as a child, but I was completely new to it. My daughter developed allergies at age 2, and my son at 6 months old. Before that, she used to eat everything. She’s allergic to dairy, eggs, nuts, sesame, strawberries, coconut, and all citrus fruits. My son has similar allergies, with the addition of all lentils.

My daughter struggled with allergies and eczema from age 2 to 7. She started methotrexate last November, and her skin has been doing well since. My son is also on methotrexate and doing well too. We still avoid all their allergens and are hoping they can outgrow their allergies over time.

We found Facebook groups for kids with eczema through Google helpful along the way.

We used methotrexate, folic acid, and fexofenadine medications.

Zya Juliana Ventinilla (9 years old)

July 25, 2026 / , , , , ,

When Zya was a baby, she had severe eczema, and we struggled to find a formula that wouldn’t aggravate her skin. Around age two, she ate kiwi for the first time and became extremely itchy, which raised concerns. Our family doctor then referred us to a skin allergy specialist, and she was officially diagnosed with allergies to peanuts and kiwi. There was an incident where she accidentally ate a snack containing peanuts. We had to use the EpiPen she always carries with her and rushed her to the emergency hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, she has not outgrown these allergies yet.

We used various websites to understand and manage her allergies. Sites like Mayo Clinic and WebMD were especially helpful for learning about symptoms, triggers, and treatment options. While online resources were useful for general guidance, we relied on a specialist for formal diagnosis and personalized care. We also found support groups and parenting forums helpful for practical tips and shared experiences from other parents dealing with similar issues.

Sreegouri Vangala (17 years old)

July 25, 2026 / , , , , , , ,

I was diagnosed with food allergies at 3 weeks old after being constantly ill and breaking out into hives. Since then, I’ve been on a strict avoidance diet, yet I continue to discover new allergies. At 4 years old, I realized I was allergic to pineapple after eating a tropical eggless cake, breaking out into hives, and having my throat close. I’ve since also learned about fish, sesame, and most recently mushroom allergies in similar ways.

It feels scary to find out about new allergies unexpectedly, especially at school or in restaurants, because you never know what you might discover. Still, I’m hopeful that things will change in the future. I have already outgrown allergies to strawberry, mango, chocolate, sunflower, and pineapple. With every allergy test, I see how far I’ve come in my journey. The main thing I’ve learned is this: never be afraid to go to the emergency room, and always use your EpiPen if you suspect a reaction. Although I’ve never had to use mine, I remember close calls where I should have erred on the side of caution. It’s always better to use your EpiPen than to be too late. Early intervention is crucial to preventing life-threatening reactions.

I’ve never used online information to diagnose myself, but I’ve looked to FARE for recommendations on allergy management and to stay up to date on food allergy news. When the FASTER Act passed and many companies started using sesame in their products, I had to be extremely vigilant about finding allergen-free food, and FARE provided helpful updates on recipe changes. Now that I’m almost a senior in high school, I’ve also used online resources to make informed choices about college — Gluten Free Friends’ survey database has been particularly useful for finding colleges that accommodate my needs, since it asks college students about their dining, housing, social life, and safety experiences. Facebook groups like the FAACT community have also been a huge help in connecting with parents and college students navigating the same search.

I only started taking advantage of the food allergy community’s resources once I entered high school, and knowing there’s a wealth of support out there means the world to me. In talking with other students and adults who have food allergies, I’m learning how to advocate for myself and be the role model I wish I’d had when I was younger.

I used Singulair and Flovent previously, and currently use Albuterol.