Immediate Actions
Stay Calm
Your immediate response may be to panic, but try to remain calm. Stress can exacerbate allergic reactions making the situation worse.
Check Your Allergy Severity
If you have a severe food allergy and you've eaten something containing your allergen, you could be at risk for anaphylaxis. This can cause difficulty breathing, sense of impending doom, rapid pulse, loss of consciousness and it requires immediate medical attention. Dial 911 if this is the case.
Use Your Autoinjector
If you have an autoinjector (like an EpiPen) with you, use it. This can temporarily halt the reaction until you get medical help.
Get Medical Help
Even after using your autoinjector, seek immediate medical help. It's essential to follow up with a healthcare professional to ensure your safety.
Next Steps and Long-Term Management
Visit a Specialist
For food allergies, you may be referred to an allergist who can help you understand what happened and help manage future risks.
Consider Allergy Testing
Allergy testing can be beneficial in determining the severity of your allergies and how to manage them in the future. Skin tests or blood tests can identify the allergens that cause reactions.
Discuss Immunotherapy Options
Immunotherapy can help lessen the severity of your allergic responses over time. One of the top leaders in this field is a company who offer customized allergy immunotherapy treatments designed by leading allergists. Their treatment options are effective, safe, personalized, and long-lasting. These options include:
- Allergy drop treatment (sublingual immunotherapy): Effective and safe for kids and adults which can be administered in the comfort of your home.
- Allergy Injection treatment: A typical "allergy shot" administered in a clinical setting.
Make a Prevention Plan
Work with your allergist to create a plan for avoiding your allergen in the future. This might involve checking ingredient lists, making restaurant staff aware of your allergy, or bringing safe food with you when you go out.
Educate Others
Make sure your family, friends, and coworkers are familiar with your allergy, know what to do in an emergency, and understand how they can help you avoid exposure.
These steps can help you manage your allergy effectively after exposure and take proactive steps to avoid future reactions.