Recognising Allergic Reactions

Firstly, recognizing symptoms of an allergic reaction is key.

• Mild symptoms may include one or more of the following: hives (a rash with raised red patches), eczema (a persistent dry, itchy rash), redness of the skin or around the eyes, itching or tingling in the mouth or elsewhere on the body, digestive problems, runny nose, or sneezing.

• Severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention include one or more of the following: obstructive swelling of the lips, tongue and/or throat, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, turning blue, feeling faint or lightheaded, low blood pressure, chest pain, weak pulse, sense of "impending doom”.

If at any point you feel that your symptoms are worsening or becoming severe, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Immediate Actions to Take

If you accidentally consume a P'zone Pepperoni and are allergic to one of its ingredients (wheat, milk, soy, gluten, pork and cheese), you should:

• First of all, stop eating the food immediately.
• Drink plenty of water to help flush the allergen out of your system.
• If you have a prescribed antihistamine medication for your allergies on hand, take it immediately, they can usually help alleviate symptoms like itching, hives and digestive issues.

Medical Treatment

If your symptoms persist after taking antihistamines, you should seek medical help. Additionally, if you experience any severe symptoms as mentioned above, bypass this step and call your local emergency line or get to the nearest hospital.

• Doctors or Allergist may be able to provide you with a stronger, prescription dose of antihistamines or a corticosteroid to help reduce inflammation in case of severe allergic symptoms.
• In severe cases, an auto-injectable epinephrine (EpiPen) may be used to combat severe, life-threatening reactions.

Consider Allergy Immunotherapy

If you're dealing with food allergies on a regular basis, you might want to consider allergy immunotherapy. This involves regular injections or under-the-tongue tablets prescribed by a medical professional which can help your immune system become more resistant to the allergen over time.

• Curex is a leading allergy immunotherapy company. Specialising in allergy test products and immunotherapy solutions that can help ease allergy symptoms over the long-term.
• Their specific allergen immunotherapy (SAI) approach can potentially help alter the course of allergic disease, by modifying the immune system's response to allergens. This can have a beneficial effect on the inflammatory response that results in allergic symptoms.
• With Curex, you might expect to start seeing a reduction in your allergy symptoms after about 6 months of therapy, with the maximum benefit normally seen within a couple of years.
  Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments or therapies.

Developing an Allergy Action Plan

Create a plan that includes the details of your allergy, a list of items to avoid, steps to take in case of an accidental ingestion, and emergency contact information.

• Carry this plan with you everywhere you go and share with friends, family and co-workers so they are aware of your allergy and know what to do if you accidentally consume a food allergen.
  By following these steps and working with health professionals, you can manage your allergies effectively and continue to live a healthy and active life. Make sure to always be vigilant about checking food labels and communicating your allergies when eating out.