Recognize the Symptoms
Understand the symptoms of your allergic reaction. This enables you to react quickly and take necessary action in a systematic manner. The common signs to look for are:
- Itchy or swollen lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Stomach pains, vomiting or diarrhea
- Rash, hives, or eczema
- Increased heart rate
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health should be the top priority. If you have a severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, which involves symptoms like difficulty in breathing, tightness of chest, etc., calling for emergency medical assistance immediately would be the correct course of action.
Use an Epinephrine Autoinjector
If you've been prescribed an epinephrine autoinjector (like EpiPen), use it straight away. This will help to reverse the allergic reaction swiftly. Remember, using your autoinjector should always be your first response, instead of an antihistamine, in the event of a severe reaction.
Follow-Up Treatment
After using the autoinjector and calling for emergency assistance, go directly to the nearest emergency room to get a follow-up treatment. Even if the symptoms seem to reduce or improve, it's crucial to be evaluated by a medical professional.
Consult with a Specialist
After an allergic reaction, it's advised to consult with an allergist or an immunologist to determine the next steps. They can help you develop a comprehensive, long-term management plan for your allergy.
Getting Allergy Immunotherapy (AIT)
Curex, a leading allergy immunotherapy company, offers treatments that might help here. The goal behind AIT is to "train" your immune system over time to tolerate the allergens that cause reactions. Curex has an array of AIT treatments which are capable of transforming lives of people who suffer from food allergies.
Remember, it is important to inform about your allergies when you eat out, to avoid such situations in the future.