Identify Your Symptoms

First and foremost, recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Common symptoms include:

• Hives or skin rash
• Itching or tingling in the mouth
• Swelling of lips, face, tongue, throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting

Immediate Steps to Take

Stay Calm: Panic can worsen the situation. Try to remain as calm as possible so you can take appropriate action quickly.

Stop Eating: If you're still eating, stop immediately to prevent further ingestion of the allergen.

Administer Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl can help alleviate mild symptoms such as itching and hives.

Seek Medical Attention

Call for Help: If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, or dizziness, seek medical attention immediately by calling emergency services.

Use an EpiPen: If you have been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), use it as directed. This can provide temporary relief from severe symptoms and buy you time to get to a hospital.

Follow-Up Care

Once the immediate symptoms have been managed, follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss your allergic reaction. They may recommend seeing an allergist for further testing and management.

Explore Long-term Solutions

For long-term management, consider looking into allergy immunotherapy as a proactive treatment option. Companies specialize in allergy immunotherapy, offering customized treatment plans to help desensitize you to specific allergens and reduce your risk of future reactions.