Washington, DC, Aug. 27, 2025 — The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) just released a groundbreaking action plan for handling food allergies. This is the first validated plan of its kind, designed for children under three and those aged three and older, with versions available in English, Spanish, and other languages.
Dr. Matthew Greenhawt, AAFA’s Chief Medical Officer, emphasizes that having a clear action plan can bring calm during a time that can be extremely stressful. “When minutes count, this plan can make a difference. It reflects the latest research and includes feedback from patients, ensuring it meets their needs,” he says.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can happen not just from food but also from insect stings, latex, and certain medications. It can affect multiple body systems and needs quick attention. In the U.S., there are about 45,000 to 50,000 emergency room visits each year for anaphylaxis, with food allergies being the leading cause.
Experts tested AAFA’s action plan in a unique study, aligning it with new 2023 guidelines. It offers tailored advice based on age, including specific symptoms to watch for in different age groups, and includes dosage information for various epinephrine delivery methods.
The AAFA’s Food Allergy Emergency Care Plan helps caregivers understand how to respond. It covers:
- Symptoms to monitor for infants and toddlers, as well as children, teens, and adults.
- Step-by-step instructions for administering epinephrine.
- Guidance on when to contact emergency services.
Melanie Carver, AAFA’s Chief Mission Officer, notes a shift in guidelines. “Previous advice suggested calling 911 for every anaphylaxis case. Recent evidence shows that treating symptoms with epinephrine can often resolve the issue, and many people don’t need more medical help after that,” she explains.
Research points out that fewer than 10% of patients require a second dose of epinephrine. This is significant because many people hesitate to use it, worrying over potential emergency room costs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a “watchful waiting” strategy was successful, helping to prioritize care for sicker patients while avoiding unnecessary visits.
Today, patients can choose whether to call emergency services immediately or monitor symptoms at home after administering epinephrine. This plan outlines when each option is most appropriate.
In summary, anyone showing signs of anaphylaxis should use epinephrine right away. Once it’s administered, AAFA’s guide helps determine if watching closely is suitable or if a 911 call is needed.
The plan can be accessed for free at AAFA’s website and is currently available in multiple languages, with more translations on the way.
This initiative comes as food allergies and anaphylaxis rates continue to rise. Recent studies show that about 8% of children in the U.S. have food allergies, a significant increase over the past decade. This highlights the importance of tools like the Emergency Care Plan in helping families navigate these challenges effectively.
AAFA’s efforts to create this plan have been meticulously crafted through collaboration with allergy experts and patient advocates. They are dedicated to providing timely, accurate information to improve the lives of those affected by allergies.
For further information, you can explore AAFA’s resources at their official sites: aafa.org and kidswithfoodallergies.org.
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Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Allergy Research, Food Allergy, Anaphylaxis, Health
