Ep. 114: Managing Food Allergies in Teens (Ages 12-18)
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank Genentech and Acquestive for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 114:
Independence, risk-taking, and peer pressure. Welcome to the teenage years with food allergies!
Managing food allergies during the teen years poses new challenges. Tweens and teens are gaining independence, navigating social pressures, and taking more responsibility for their health. But this is also the stage where risky behavior peaks, and the risk for severe allergic reactions is highest. That’s why clear communication and trust matter more than ever.
In this episode of our Food Allergy Stages Series, Dr. Travis Miller joins Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta to unpack how food allergy management changes from ages 12 to 18. We talk about empowering teens through shared decision-making, building trust between parents and teens, and developing essential life skills like label reading, restaurant communication, and self-advocacy. We also dive into difficult topics like bullying, alcohol, and mental health. Finally, we address why emotional support is just as important as carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.
What we cover in our episode about managing food allergies in teenagers:
Why trust matters. Teens are more likely to follow allergy routines when they feel heard and involved.
Empowering independence. From grocery shopping to reading labels, this is the age to start turning over the reins.
Talking about risky behavior. Alcohol and dating can put teens with food allergies at higher risk.
Bullying and boundaries. Learn how to spot signs of bullying and who can help your teen feel safe and supported.
Mental health and identity. Food allergies can affect confidence. We share ways to support emotional wellness and self-esteem.
About Dr. Travis Miller
Dr. Travis Miller is a board-certified allergist and immunologist and the founder of The Allergy Station in Roseville, California. He has over 20 years of experience treating children and adults with food allergies, asthma, and related conditions. Dr. Miller is known for his compassionate, family-centered approach and his dedication to educating patients and empowering them to take charge of their health.
Follow Dr. Miller on Instagram: @travisamillermd
Episode 5 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 1: Early Allergen Introduction (Ep. 110) - Apple Podcast • Spotify • Amazon Music
Episode 2: Food Allergy Basics for Newly Diagnosed Families (Ep. 111) - Apple Podcast • Spotify • Amazon Music
Episode 3: Managing Food Allergies in Babies and Toddlers (Ages 0–5) - Apple Podcast • Spotify • Amazon Music
Episode 4: Managing Food Allergies in School-Age Children - Apple Podcast • Spotify • Amazon Music
Or watch full episodes on YouTube!
Listen now! Apple Podcast • Spotify • Amazon Music
Resources for managing food allergies in teens
More resources about food allergy management for elementary school kids:
AAAAI Ages & Stages PDFs
Episodes from The Itch Podcast:
What parents should know about managing food allergies for teens
The teen years (12–18) come with a new level of independence and a new set of challenges for managing food allergies. Your teen is spending more time away from home, eating out with friends, navigating dating, and possibly making decisions about risky behaviors like drinking.
This stage is all about trust, communication, and supporting independence. Here are key things to know as a parent of a teenager with food allergies:
Teens need to own their allergy story. They should be able to clearly explain what they’re allergic to, how to avoid it, and what to do if a reaction happens.
Practice clear communication. Teens may downplay symptoms or avoid speaking up. Role-play real scenarios like telling a friend, teacher, or date about their allergy to build confidence.
Normalize epinephrine as a non-negotiable. Keep talking about why it matters, and make sure they carry it consistently. Practice with trainer devices to keep skills sharp.
Have honest conversations about risk. Talk openly about alcohol, dating, peer pressure, and what to do in social situations. Judgment matters and your teen needs tools to make safe choices.
Shift from control to coaching. Involve your teen in their action plan, doctor visits, and everyday decisions. Let them lead (with backup) so they build skills for adulthood.
Mental health matters. Food allergies can impact self-esteem and increase anxiety. Check in often and remind your teen they’re not alone.
Encourage connection. Social media, support groups, and allergy communities can help teens feel seen and supported. Fitting in doesn’t have to mean taking risks.
Timestamps
Our episode explores how to manage food allergies in teens and tweens.
01:49 Why managing food allergies in teens is challenging
03:24 How allergists help enforce the seriousness of food allergies
06:11 Advice for parents on discussing food allergy risks without overwhelming teens
10:52 When to give teens more autonomy in managing food allergies
13:58 Understanding risk-taking behavior in teenagers
16:37 Addressing bullying related to food allergies in teens
19:51 Navigating dating, alcohol, and kissing with food allergies
29:21 Supporting teen self-esteem, mental health, and anxiety
