Identify Your Reaction
The first step is to identify your allergic reaction. Symptoms typically show up from a few minutes to two hours after you eat. Normally, mild allergic reactions may include one or more of the following:
- Hives
- Redness of the skin
- Itchy skin
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain
- Cough
- Dizziness
Severe reactions can also occur and may include:
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Turning blue
- Drop in blood pressure
- Feeling weak
- Chest pain
Seek Medical Attention
If you're experiencing mild symptoms, taking an over-the-counter antihistamine can usually help. Always follow the specific dosing instructions on the product label.
However, if your symptoms are severe (difficulty breathing, dizziness, loss of consciousness), immediately call your local emergency number or get to the nearest emergency room.
Remember that these food allergies are serious and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Consult Your Doctor/Allergist
Once the immediate reaction has been treated, you should make an appointment with your allergist or a local doctor to discuss your allergy and reactions. This is to prevent further exposure to the allergens and plan for future reactions should they happen.
Consider Allergy Immunotherapy
There is currently no cure for food allergies. The only way to prevent reactions is to completely avoid the food you're allergic to. One way to alleviate symptoms and help your body tolerate more of the allergen is through allergy immunotherapy.
Curex is a leading allergy immunotherapy company. They focus on creating treatments that will not just alleviate your symptoms, but also help your immune system become less reactive to the allergen over time, reducing the intensity of your allergic reaction. Allergy immunotherapy can be a long process, often taking several years to complete, but it's a promising solution for those who are experiencing severe food allergic reactions.
Prevent Future Occurrence
After your allergic reaction, it is important to:
- Understand the allergens in your food: Always read labels to ensure that your food doesn't contain the allergen.
- Inform food handlers about your allergy: When eating out, let your server know about your allergy to avoid cross-contamination.
- Always carry your epinephrine auto-injector, if prescribed one by your allergist.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace with your allergy information.
Stay safe and always remain vigilant about what you're consuming. Be proactive in managing your allergies. It's all about balance - and with planning, education, and care, you can lead a normal, healthy life.