Logo_color.png

Allergy Support

NEWLY DIAGNOSED

A food allergy diagnosis can feel overwhelming - but you’re not alone.

With the right information, preparation and support, it is possible to live safely and confidently with food allergies. On this page, you’ll find practical guidance to help you avoid allergens, recognise symptoms, respond to reactions and build a strong support network around you.

Establish your Emergency Care plan

  • Have an emergency medication kit with all prescribed allergy medication
  • Keep track of expiry dates and replace medication as needed
  • Practice regularly with trainer injectors so you feel confident
  • Explain to family, friends, teachers or colleagues how to use your kit

Recognize and respond to reactions

  • Learn to recognize early signs and symptoms, including ones you haven’t experienced
  • React quickly and confidently, prompt action can make all the difference
  • Follow your action plan prepared with your healthcare professional

Read labels and navigate menus safely

  • Know the basics of food safety laws and your rights
  • Learn to read labels carefully — allergens can hide in unexpected foods
  • Find your trusted brands; check restaurant menus for allergens
  • Always explain your condition when ordering, and double-check with staff

Know your terminology & rights

  • Check our Allergies 101 section for key terms and concepts
  • Mandatory food safety and labeling rules help you stay safe shopping and eating out
  • School-age children may have a PAI (Projet d’Accueil Individualisé) an individual care plan

Call out the fear

  • Speak up — allergies aren’t something to hide, sharing helps you and others
  • Seek support — LAN and many others are here to guide you
  • Learn from others who have been through what you’re facing now
icon_ally

QUICK TIP

Newly diagnosed? You don’t have to face food allergies alone. Reach out to us – we’re here to support you.

EMERGENCY CARE

Be prepared — always.

Having an emergency plan is essential. Practice makes confident, and confidence can save lives.

Your emergency kit

  • Keep your emergency kit with you and easily accessible at all times
  • Carry 2 adrenaline devices, if prescribed
  • Carry any other prescribed emergency medication, such as an antihistamine or inhaler
  • Know when and how to use each medication
  • Adrenaline is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis
  • Check medication expiry dates regularly
  • Store medication correctly and protect it from extreme temperatures
  • Practise using your adrenaline device with a trainer device
  • Make sure the people around you know where your medication is kept and how to use it
  • Keep your emergency contact details with your medication

Know Your Emergency Plan

  • Have a written emergency plan prepared with your allergist
  • Know the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis
  • Follow your emergency plan step by step
  • Share your plan with family, teachers, caregivers, coaches and colleagues
  • Make sure the people who care for you or your child know what to do in an emergency
  • Review and update your plan when circumstances or medication change

If a reaction happens

  • Recognise: Know the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
  • Give adrenaline: If anaphylaxis is suspected, use your adrenaline device immediately according to your emergency plan.
  • Call 112: Tell them you are having a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.
  • Follow your plan: Follow the remaining steps in your emergency action plan.
  • Stay with the person: Do not leave them alone. Monitor their symptoms while waiting for emergency help.
  • A second dose may be needed: Follow your emergency plan and the instructions for your prescribed adrenaline device.
  • Always seek medical attention after anaphylaxis, even if symptoms improve.



icon_ally

IMPORTANT

Never leave home without your emergency kit. Keep it close, know your plan and make sure others know what to do.

Shopping & Food labels

  • Always read the ingredient list and allergen information – even on familiar products. 
  • EU law requires the 14 major allergens to be clearly highlighted when they are present as ingredients. 
  • May contain / precautionary allergen statements are voluntary and can sometimes be confusing. 
  • Recipes and ingredients can change, so check labels every time you buy a product. 
  • When in doubt, contact the manufacturer or choose another product.

Eating out & Social occasions

  • Tell restaurants about your allergy before ordering and ask questions about ingredients and cross-contamination. 
  • If you don’t feel confident that your allergy can be safely accommodated, you don’t have to eat there. 
  • Use LAN’s Chef Cards to explain your allergy in different languages. 
  • When visiting friends or family, let them know in advance and explain how to avoid cross-contamination. 
  • Offer to help with preparation or bring your own food if that makes you feel safer. 
  • For birthdays and celebrations, talk to teachers, hosts or organisers in advance about safe food options.

School, Work & Everyday life

  • Make sure teachers, school staff, colleagues and caregivers understand your allergy and know what to do in an emergency. 
  • At school, discuss birthday parties, celebrations, school trips and special events in advance. 
  • Leave some safe, non-perishable snacks at school for unexpected events
  • Make sure your PAI (Projet d’Accueil Individualisé) is up to date and shared with the relevant people. 
  • At work, let colleagues and organisers know about your allergy before meals, celebrations or work events. 
  • You should never feel ashamed or guilty about your allergy. Asking for safe food is about staying safe, not being difficult.
icon_ally

DID YOU KNOW?

Food allergies are part of everyday life, but they don’t have to stop you enjoying it. Plan ahead, ask questions and do what makes you feel safe.

Food Labelling (EU 1169/2011)

  • The 14 regulated allergens must be clearly indicated when they are present. 
  • For packaged foods, allergens must be clearly emphasised in the ingredient list, for example in bold or in caps. 
  • For non-prepacked food (eg. bakeries, butcher), allergen information must be provided – the way it is communicated can vary. 
  • Precautionary statements such as “may contain” are voluntary and are not a substitute for mandatory allergen information. 

Eating Out

  • Food businesses must provide information about the 14 regulated allergens present in the food they serve. 
  • Information can be provided in different ways, such as written information, a menu, or verbal communication, depending on national requirements. 
  • Food businesses should ensure staff have the knowledge needed to provide accurate allergen information. 
  • You have the right to ask questions about allergens in your food. 
  • If you don’t feel confident that your allergy can be safely accommodated, you have the right to choose not to eat the food.

PAI in Schools ( Projet d'Accueil Individualisé)

  • Children with food allergies can have an individualised care plan (PAI) in Luxembourg schools, set up between a medical professional and the parents
  • The PAI sets out the child’s specific needs, dietary requirements and emergency procedures. 
  • It can include arrangements for storing and administering emergency medication. 
  • Relevant school staff should know the child’s emergency plan and how to respond to an allergic reaction. 
  • Contact the school nurse at the beginning of each school year to review and update the arrangements.

Travel & Airlines

  • Inform your airline about your food allergy before travelling and ask about their procedures for passengers with allergies.
  • Check the airline’s policy before every journey, as procedures can differ between airlines.
  • Keep your adrenaline auto-injectors in your hand luggage and easily accessible.
  • Carry a doctor’s letter/certificate for your medication when travelling.

FAQs

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

Sometimes, genetics can play a role, but environment and exposure are also important. Having allergic parents increases risk, but many people develop allergies with no family history.

Persistent eczema, hives, swelling, sneezing, itchy eyes, vomiting, digestive issues, or any unusual reaction after contact with a food or substance. When in doubt, see an allergist.

An allergy involves the immune system and can affect multiple organs, sometimes life-threatening. An intolerance is usually limited to digestive issues and is rarely dangerous.

Through tests by an allergist, skin prick tests, blood IgE tests, and sometimes oral food provocation tests (OFP), carefully supervised exposure to the suspected allergen in a clinical setting.

A PAI (Projet d'Accueil Individualisé) is an individual care plan for allergic children in Luxembourg schools. Contact your child's school nurse before the start of the school year. See our Back to School resources for more guidance.

Currently, there is no cure. Management is key: avoid allergens, recognize symptoms, and respond promptly. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) may help reduce sensitivity under medical supervision, discuss with your allergist.

We maintain a list of recommended doctors in our Resources section, updated regularly by our community. Download it from the Resources page or contact us at luxallergynetwork@gmail.com.

Sources & further information

Support

Learn

Resources

Community

Become a Member

Made by