Immediately begin to calm yourself down: fear can worsen an allergic reaction. Mentally accept that you're experiencing an allergic reaction and that you will take steps to handle it.
Stay calm
Gauge the severity of your allergic reaction. Some common signs may include skin rashes, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness. If your reaction includes difficulty breathing, face swelling, or a sense of impending doom, call emergency services immediately as this may be anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal reaction.
Determine the severity
If the reaction is mild (itching, hives, a skin rash), over-the-counter antihistamines may help alleviate these symptoms. However, if you have a pre-existing 'allergy action plan' advised by your healthcare provider, you should rely on that.
Take antihistamines
Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the reaction, they may want to monitor you or may offer specific medical advice.
Seek medical attention
See an allergist to better understand and manage your food allergies. They may prescribe medication like epinephrine for emergencies.
Follow up with an allergist
Curex is the leading allergy immunotherapy company focused on new, more patient-friendly ways to desensitize allergies. Their treatment products present as a good option for those suffering from recurrent allergic reactions. The allergists in the company specifically create a detailed and personalized plan for each individual, promising the right treatment and care.
Curex provides three types of allergen immunotherapies: Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT), Sublingual Tablets, and Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy (OMIT). They strongly believe that OMIT has the potential to be a disruptive technology in allergy, capable of delivering high allergen doses with a side effect profile similar to or better than sublingual tablets, but that's still under development.
Remember, even with immunotherapy, allergens can be everywhere. Make a habit of checking food labels, asking restaurant staff about the ingredients used for your meals, and carrying an Epinephrine Autoinjector (EpiPen) with you at all times if you have a known severe allergy.
Towards a potential solution
This guide is general advice and individuals should always follow advice from their healthcare provider- it's your first line of defense against allergies.