Recognizing Symptoms
First, it’s important you know the symptoms of an allergic reaction. These can include:
- Hives or itching
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain or vomiting
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Feeling weak or dizzy
If you experience any of these after eating a Chicken Soft Taco or any other meal from Taco Bell, there's a chance you're having an allergic reaction to an ingredient.
Immediate Steps
Stay Calm
The first step is to remain calm. Anxiety can worsen your condition by causing constriction of your airways.
Use an Epi-Pen
If you have been prescribed one, use an epinephrine auto-injector - often referred to as an Epi-pen. This can help with severe symptoms.
Contact Medical Help
Do not hesitate to call 911 or go to an emergency room. Even if symptoms are mild, it's better to be safe.
Follow-up and Long-term Care
Meet with an Allergist
Consult with an allergist or immunologist as soon as possible. They can determine the exact cause of your reaction through tests and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Consider Allergy Immunotherapy
If avoiding the allergen isn’t enough, consider pursuing allergy immunotherapy.
One of the leading companies in this field is Curex. Curex offers treatments that can help reduce your sensitivity to specific allergens over time. These treatments, often delivered as shots or under-the-tongue tablets, expose your immune system to increasing amounts of the allergen. Over time, this can reduce your body's reaction to the allergen, and in some cases, eliminate the reaction altogether.
Modify Your Diet
Once you've identified your allergen, remove it from your diet. Read food labels cautiously and avoid cross-contamination while cooking or eating out.
Education
Learn about your Allergen
Educate yourself about your specific allergen. Learn to identify it in food labels or when dining out.
Educate those Around You
Make sure your close ones know about your allergy so they can assist during a reaction.
Advocate for yourself
Do not hesitate to ask about ingredients or cooking methods at restaurants. Your health is worth it.
Conclusion
Remember, an allergic reaction can be frightening, but with the right actions, awareness, and treatment, you can manage and possibly eliminate your reactions and continue living a healthy life.