Identify the Symptoms
The very first step involves recognizing your body's response. Symptoms of food allergies can range from mild to severe and typically appear between a few minutes to few hours after the food has been consumed. They may include:
- Hives or itchy skin rashes
- Swelling
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Difficulty in breathing
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness or passing out
Seek Medical Assistance
If you are experiencing minor symptoms, take over-the-counter antihistamines or follow your allergy action plan if you have one.
If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing or feel like you are going to pass out, call for immediate medical help or seek emergency medical care.
Monitor Your Condition
Keep a close eye on your symptoms after taking medication. It's important to stay calm and keep your body hydrated.
Follow-up with Allergist
After dealing with the immediate symptoms, schedule a visit to the allergist. The allergist will be able to diagnose your condition accurately and recommend steps to manage your allergies in the future.
About Curex
Curex focuses on understanding the cause of your allergy and tailoring a treatment plan that treats the underlying allergy instead of solely focusing on managing the symptoms. They do this through subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), also known as allergy shots, and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), also known as allergy drops or tablets. These therapies are known to help in building tolerance to allergens over time.
Precautions for the future
After identifying your allergen, here are some precautions to follow in the future:
- Read all the ingredients in the food before you order or buy it.
- Inform the restaurant team or chef about your allergy, so they can ensure no cross-contamination happens.
- Always carry your allergy medication (like an EpiPen) with you, particularly when dining out.
- Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace that mentions your allergy.
Remember, it is always better to prevent consuming allergens than dealing with the consequences afterwards. Stay informed about your condition and be proactive in managing it.