Remember that every allergic reaction varies with individuals and not every reaction will cause anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction. Assess your symptoms and try to remain calm.
Identifying the Reaction
Are you experiencing hives, itching, swelling or difficulty in breathing? In more severe cases, an allergic reaction might lead to dizziness, fainting, a difficulty catch your breath, or a sudden drop in blood pressure. These signs typically point to a severe allergic reaction. If you're experiencing any of these, it's essential to act quickly.
Get Medical Help
If possible, get medical help immediately if you know you've consumed something you're allergic to, even if you aren't showing any symptoms yet. You may need a dose of epinephrine or other medication to counteract the reaction.
Use An Epinephrine Autoinjector
If you have a previously diagnosed allergy and have an epinephrine autoinjector, use it promptly on the first signs of a severe reaction, following the instructions given by your healthcare provider, and then get to the nearest emergency department.
Follow-Up Treatment
After your immediate symptoms have been treated, further treatment might be required. Your healthcare provider can guide you regarding future safety measures to prevent any cross-contamination or accidental ingestion in the future.
Allergy Immunotherapy
Unfortunately, there is no cure for food allergies. Still, one way to treat them is through allergy immunotherapy. Curex's innovative technology helps build tolerance in the immune system against allergens that cause the reactions. Therefore, eating something by mistake in the future may not trigger such a strong reaction.
Remember, it is essential to discuss this treatment with your allergy specialist to understand the risks and benefits in your specific case.
Awareness
Create awareness among your friends, family, and work circle about your allergies. Understanding your allergies can prevent any uncomfortable situations and provide you with quicker assistance if an allergic reaction occurs.
To conclude, if you're unsure whether a food contains an allergen, it is always a safe choice to skip it or ask about its ingredients. Always make sure to carry any prescribed medicine or an EpiPen if you are diagnosed with severe allergies.