Nine major food allergens — milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, sesame, fish, and crustacean shellfish — cause about 90% of serious food allergy reactions in the U.S. Those reactions affect about 33 million Americans, including almost 6 million children, and cause around 500 deaths annually.

The treatment for a severe allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) is the immediate administration of the fight-or-flight hormone epinephrine, also called adrenaline.

Since 1987, that's been done on the spot with an injection from an EpiPen, which reverses symptoms such as rashes, itching or hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing or wheezing; dizziness; and stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.

The pen is lifesaving, but for the needle-phobic, it can cause anxiety and even reluctance when it’s needed.

Now, an epinephrine nasal spray to stop a serious allergic reaction to food, medication, or an insect bite has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for adults and kids weighing more than 66 pounds.

The spray uses the same easy-to-use delivery device as NARCAN nasal spray that combats opioid overdoses.

Ask your doctor if it's right for you. Then if you need assistance buying the new nasal spray, contact neffyconnect at 877-696-3339.