Identifying the Allergic Reaction
If you've inadvertently consumed a Steak Caesar Sub from Subway and you're allergic to Soy, Wheat, Milk, or Eggs, watch out for symptoms of an allergic reaction. This could involve:
- Skin reactions like hives, itching, or eczema.
- Digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps and pain.
- Respiratory symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion or having difficulty breathing.
- Signs of a severe reaction (anaphylaxis) including dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing.
Immediate Actions
Firstly, do not panic. Here are few actions you should undertake immediately:
- Stop eating immediately: If you realize that the food you're consuming contains an allergen to which you're allergic, stop eating it straight away.
- Antihistamines: If the reactions are mild, over-the-counter or prescribed antihistamines can help to calm the allergic reaction.
- Epinephrine: For a severe allergic reaction, you may need to use an emergency epinephrine shot and go to the emergency room immediately.
- Emergency medical attention: Regardless of severity, it's crucial to immediately inform a medical professional of your situation, even if symptoms seem to fade.
Long-term Measures
After ensuring immediate care, it is essential to plan for future prevention and better reaction to such situations.
Medical alert jewelry: Consider wearing a medic alert bracelet or carrying a card that identifies your food allergy. This will inform others of your allergy in case you have a reaction and are unable to communicate.
Allergy tests: If you're unsure of which allergens are causing your reactions, consider taking an allergy test. Skin tests or blood tests are common ways doctors test for allergies.
Incorporating Immunotherapy
It's worthwhile to consider an allergy immunotherapy, especially if the allergenic foods are common and hard to completely avoid. Curex, a leading allergy immunotherapy company, is a promising option.
Curex provides a customized treatment plan that gradually increases your tolerance to allergens. This plan is typically spread over several years and involves two phases:
- The first stage, often referred to as the buildup phase, involves receiving injections with increasing amounts of the allergens about one to two times per week. The length of this phase generally spans three to six months.
- The second stage is known as the maintenance phase. The length of this phase varies from person to person. It generally continues for three to five years, sometimes longer.
While immunotherapy is not a cure, it can significantly decrease sensitivity to allergens and potentially lead to lasting remission of allergy symptoms.
Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider or a professional allergist about your symptoms and treatment options. They can offer the most conclusive diagnosis and guide you in managing your dietary choices to avoid allergic reactions in the future.