Ep. 115: Managing Food Allergies in College-Aged Students (Ages 18-21)
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank Genentech and Aquestive 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 115:
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.
About Dr. Theresa Bingemann
Dr. Theresa Bingemann is a board-certified allergist and immunologist at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where she also serves as the Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Program Director. She specializes in the care of both pediatric and adult patients with food allergies, asthma, and other allergic conditions. Dr. Bingemann is a national leader in allergy education and co-developer of the AAAAI’s Ages and Stages food allergy handouts, helping patients navigate each phase of life with confidence and safety.
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 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
Episode 5: Managing Food Allergies in Teens - 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 young adults should know about managing food allergies
Becoming a young adult means taking on more responsibility, and that includes managing your food allergies. Whether you're heading to college, the military, or a new apartment, it’s time to step into the driver’s seat when it comes to your health and safety.
Here are key things to know as a young adult with food allergies:
Self-advocacy is essential.
You need to speak up about your food allergies with friends, roommates, professors, and restaurant staff.
Don’t assume people know. Tell them what you need to stay safe.
Your emergency plan starts with you.
Carry your epinephrine auto-injector everywhere.
Practice using a trainer device, and teach your friends how to use it.
The more prepared your circle is, the safer you’ll be.
Set up your living space carefully.
Create allergy-safe zones in shared kitchens.
Label your food, have a dedicated area for your safe food, and use separate cookware.
Have clear conversations with roommates about cleaning and cross-contact.
Plan for social situations.
Bring safe snacks to parties.
Don’t share drinks or utensils. Watch out for places where you may experience cross-contact, such as drinking games.
Talk openly about your allergies when dating or going out with new friends.
Have a few go-to sentences to get out of uncomfortable situations.
Make sure you have a buddy who knows where your epinephrine is and how to use it.
Look after your mental health.
Feeling overwhelmed is normal, but food allergies shouldn't isolate you.
Reach out to your campus health center, a counselor, or support groups if you’re struggling.
Take care of your overall health.
Learn how your health insurance works. Know terms like copay, deductible, and network provider.
Schedule your medical appointments, prepare questions ahead of time, and make sure your prescriptions are up to date.
Managing food allergies on your own can feel like a lot, but you’ve already built the skills you need. With good planning and strong communication, you can stay safe and enjoy this new chapter.
Timestamps
Our episode explores how to manage food allergies in teens and tweens.
01:37 Introduction to Dr. Theresa Bingemann
02:24 How managing food allergies changes during young adulthood
03:55 Advocating for yourself in new living situations like dorms
06:36 Preparing for emergencies and involving friends
13:19 Setting up a safe shared kitchen with roommates
19:12 How chef cards can make dining out safer
23:14 Reading food labels for independent living
26:49 Staying safe at social events, parties, and outings
33:00 Mental health and food allergies: what to watch for
35:34 Handling doctor visits and insurance on your own
39:18 Final advice from our allergists
