Allergic reactions: how to spot them and what to do

Allergic reactions range from annoying to dangerous. A runny nose or itchy skin is one thing; trouble breathing or a swollen throat is another. Knowing the difference and acting fast usually makes a big difference for your safety and recovery.

Common triggers and symptoms

Typical triggers include certain foods (nuts, shellfish, milk), medicines (antibiotics, NSAIDs), insect stings, latex, pet dander, and pollen. Symptoms can show up within minutes or hours after exposure. Watch for:

- Skin: hives, redness, itching, swelling of face or lips.
- Respiratory: sneezing, runny nose, wheeze, cough, shortness of breath.
- Digestive: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea.
- Circulatory: dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat.

Anaphylaxis is the emergency form of an allergic reaction. Signs include sudden difficulty breathing, throat tightness, hoarse voice, severe swelling of the face or tongue, fainting, or a drop in blood pressure. If you see any of these, treat it as a medical emergency.

What to do and when to get help

For mild symptoms: stop exposure, wash the area if it’s skin contact, and take a non-drowsy antihistamine if that helps you. A cool compress or a low‑strength hydrocortisone cream can ease rash and itching. Watch symptoms for several hours—some reactions come back or worsen.

For moderate to severe symptoms or anything that affects breathing, treat for anaphylaxis immediately. If someone has an epinephrine auto‑injector (EpiPen or similar), use it right away into the outer thigh—don’t wait to see if it gets worse. Then call emergency services. If breathing stops, begin CPR if you’re trained. If symptoms don’t improve, a second dose of epinephrine may be needed after 5–15 minutes while waiting for help.

After any moderate or severe reaction, go to the ER even if symptoms improve. Doctors need to monitor for a second phase of reaction (biphasic anaphylaxis) and give follow‑up care.

See an allergist if you’ve had repeated reactions or a clearly dangerous one. Allergy testing (skin prick or blood IgE tests) can identify triggers so you can avoid them. For long‑term options, discuss allergy shots (immunotherapy) or daily medications with your doctor.

Practical tips: carry an emergency action plan, wear medical ID if you have a severe allergy, keep prescribed epinephrine with you at all times, and tell friends or coworkers where it is and how to use it. When taking new medicines, tell your provider about past allergies and carry a list of triggers.

Quick checklist: identify your trigger, avoid it, carry prescribed meds, know how to use epinephrine, and get tested if reactions recur. That’s the best way to stay safe and keep allergic reactions from taking you by surprise.

Understanding Lung Inflammation and Allergic Reactions: Key Facts and Tips

Understanding Lung Inflammation and Allergic Reactions: Key Facts and Tips

Lung inflammation and allergies are more common than most people think, causing coughing, breathlessness, and discomfort for millions. This article explains the causes, symptoms, and management of lung inflammation linked to allergies. Get practical tips, learn about the latest medical insights, and discover how to safeguard your lungs from everyday triggers and invisible threats. Perfect for parents, allergy sufferers, and anyone looking to breathe easier. Anyone from busy dads to teachers to folks working from home will find something valuable here.