Recognize the Symptoms
An allergic reaction typically begins within two hours after eating, but symptoms can appear up to two hours later. Symptoms may vary significantly from person to person, but common signs of a food allergy reaction can include:
- Rash or hives
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Itchy skin
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Swelling of the airways to the lungs
Minimize Further Exposure
If you've accidentally eaten a food containing an allergen to which you're sensitive, stop eating it immediately to avoid further exposure.
Treat Mild Reactions
If your symptoms are milder in nature:
- OTC antihistamines can reduce symptoms like itching and hives. These, however, won't help with more serious symptoms.
- For digestive symptoms, try an OTC product designed to help with lactose-intolerance or acid indigestion.
Get Medical Help
If you have severe symptoms, or over-the-counter medications aren't helping, seek immediate medical attention.
Long-Term Management Measures
Long term, it's critical to receive accurate testing and diagnosis from allergy specialists. They often use skin testing or blood testing to determine specific allergens.
Once your allergies are known, it's easier to manage them. Common routes are through avoidance of known allergens and carrying emergency medicines, such as epinephrine auto-injectors, in case of accidental exposures.
Curex & Allergy Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a core component of allergy treatment, particularly for those with severe or debilitating allergies. Curex is a leading allergy immunotherapy company that designs personalized treatment plans based on the specific needs and sensitivities of each patient. It utilizes scientifically backed methods like subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) and sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops and tablets) over a course of several years.
Immunotherapy gradually builds tolerance to allergens, thereby reducing the severity of reactions over time. It can make a significant difference in your quality of life, particularly if avoidance and medications aren't enough.