#115 - Managing Food Allergies in College-Aged Students (Ages 18-21)

Stepping into young adulthood also means stepping up as the primary manager of your food allergies.

For teens and young adults with food allergies, early adulthood is an exciting but challenging shift. It’s the first time you’re the primary communicator, managing everything from dining halls to doctor’s appointments on your own. Add in new living spaces, new friends, and a growing social life, and there’s a lot to navigate.

Dr. Theresa Bingemann joins Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta to unpack how food allergy management changes as you step into early adulthood. We cover self-advocacy skills, emergency preparedness, how to create allergy-friendly spaces in shared housing, and tips for navigating social life safely. Plus, we dive into practical advice for managing stress, staying emotionally healthy, and finding your footing in this new phase of life.

What we cover in our episode about managing food allergies in young adults:

• Self-advocacy matters. Learn how to speak up about your allergies with confidence.
• Planning ahead for emergencies. Practicing with an epinephrine device is not just for kids! Plus, knowing the available campus resources is key to feeling secure in your food allergy management.
• Creating a safe living space. Tips for setting up allergy-friendly dorm rooms and kitchens with roommates.
• Navigating social life. How to handle parties, dating, and dining out while staying safe.
• Managing emotional well-being. Support strategies for handling anxiety, stress, and the transition to independence.

Episode 6 in our “Food Allergies: Ages & Stages” series 

Across six episodes, we explore how food allergies show up and shift through different phases of life, from introducing solids in infancy to navigating school and adapting in adulthood. We’re here with evidence-based info, expert insights, and lived experience to guide you through it all.

• Episode 110: Early Allergen Introduction
• Episode 111: Food Allergy Basics for Newly Diagnosed Families
• Episode 112: Managing Food Allergies in Babies and Toddlers
• Episode 113: Managing Food Allergies in School-Age Children
• Episode 114: Managing Food Allergies in Teens

AAAAI Ages & Stages PDFs

• Food Allergy Stages: Young Adults (18–21 years)

Thanks to Genentech and Aquestive for sponsoring this episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.