What Should You Do If You Have Allergic Reactions?

Anaphylaxis is a severe response caused by some forms of allergies. Certain foods, insect stings, and medications are among the allergens that can trigger this life-threatening emergency. Anaphylaxis can lead to shock.

Fremont, CA: Allergies develop when the immune system responds to a foreign substance that enters the body. These are referred to as allergies. They consist of pollen, bee venom, and pet dander. Allergies can also result from foods and medications that do not cause responses in most people.  

The immune system produces defensive proteins known as antibodies, which combat intruders like bacteria. However, with allergies, the immune system produces antibodies that identify a specific allergen as hazardous, even if it isn't. Contact with the allergen triggers an immune system reaction that might cause skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive tract inflammation.

Allergic responses vary between people. They can range from mild discomfort to a possibly fatal condition called anaphylaxis. Despite the chronic nature of allergies, medications are used to relieve their symptoms.

Allergy symptoms vary depending on the allergen. The symptoms may impact the airways, sinuses, nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Allergic responses might be moderate to severe. Allergies can even cause a potentially fatal reaction known as anaphylaxis.

If you experience symptoms you believe are caused by an allergy and over-the-counter allergy medications offered without a prescription haven't provided significant relief, you should consult a doctor. If you experience symptoms after beginning a new medication for a medical condition, contact the healthcare expert who recommended it immediately.

If you experience a severe allergic response, often known as anaphylaxis, contact 911 or your local emergency number. Alternatively, you might seek immediate medical assistance. Anaphylaxis requires a dose of epinephrine, a prescription medication. If you have an epinephrine auto-injector (Auvi-Q, EpiPen, etc.), administer it immediately.

Even if your symptoms improve after receiving an epinephrine shot, visit the emergency hospital. Healthcare providers must ensure that your symptoms do not return once the shot's effects have worn off.

If you've ever had a severe allergy attack or had anaphylactic symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor. It might be challenging to do allergy testing and develop a long-term treatment strategy for anaphylaxis. As a result, you'll most likely need to consult an allergist whose expertise is in diagnosing and treating allergies and other immune system disorders.