HomeAdvocacy and research – June 2021

Advocacy and research – June 2021

June 11, 2021

Have your say in a survey on the psychological health needs of living with food allergy and access to care before it closes at the end of this month. Plus, check out our mythbuster on whether Benadryl® can be used instead of epinephrine for treating anaphylaxis.


Last chance to have your say: Survey on the psychological health needs of living with food allergy and access to care

An international study, by researchers in Europe, Canada, and the U.S., is looking at the psychological health needs, including stress, worry, anxiety and depression, related to living with food allergy, and access to care.

If you have a food allergy or are a parent of a child with food allergy, please participate in this study before it closes at the end of the month. Thanks to those of you who have already participated!

How to participate

Complete an online survey, which takes approximately 20 minutes. You or your child must have a food allergy diagnosed by a medical doctor.

Your participation is vital to providing the researchers with insights on the psychological health care needs of patients with food allergy and their families, and the services being offered. It will also help patient organizations like ours advocate for greater mental health supports.


Myth Stamped in Red Ink with Rubber Hand Stamp

Mythbuster: Benadryl® can be used instead of epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis. 

FACT: NO, epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Antihistamines, like Benadryl®, do not reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis and should not be used instead of epinephrine. They can be given after epinephrine, but are mostly for comfort to relieve itching. Newer antihistamines like Reactine®, Claritin® or Aerius®, are recommended over Benadryl®, which does not work as quickly and can cause drowsiness.

Learn more about epinephrine by clicking on the boxes below.

Epi first webinar cover

Webinar: Epinephrine first and the role of Benadryl® in anaphylaxis with Dr. Watson

Understanding when to use epi webinar cover

Webinar: Understanding when to use epinephrine with Dr. Ben-Shoshan

Help us educate your communities and share this mythbuster with them! Find more mythbusters at foodallergycanada.ca/mythbusters. 

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