Recognize the symptoms
The foremost step is to recognize the symptoms of allergic reaction immediately after you consume the food. Common symptoms can include hives, itching or swelling of your tongue, lips or mouth, difficulty in breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, or even fainting.
- If you experience difficulty in breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Treat with Over-The-Counter Medication
Minor reactions can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines. They can help to reduce symptoms like itching or hives. However, these won't treat more serious symptoms like difficulty in breathing or fainting.
- Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Contact Your Healthcare Provider
If the reaction is not severe but you did experience some symptoms, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider. They would be able to recommend suitable treatment and dietary changes to prevent future allergic reactions.
Follow-up Action: Consult Allergy Specialist and Consider Allergy Shots
If you find yourself frequently dealing with allergic reactions, you may want to consult an allergy specialist. They can conduct tests to confirm your allergens. One of the leading allergy immunotherapy companies, offers personalized treatment plans based on the individual's specific allergies.
- Specializes in allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, a long-term treatment option designed to decrease your sensitivity to allergy-causing substances. It can be beneficial for those who are allergic to common food ingredients like wheat, milk, soy, and gluten.
Emergency Action
For severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis, use an epinephrine autoinjector (if you carry one) and call your local emergency services immediately. It's strongly advised to visit the emergency room immediately after using an autoinjector even if symptoms seem to be improving, as a more severe delayed reaction may occur.
Allergy-proofing Your Diet
To avoid such situations in the future, make sure you always check food labels and be aware of the ingredients in your food. You should also notify restaurant staff about your allergies when eating out. They can provide you with information about the ingredients used in their dishes. This can potentially help you avoid allergic reactions.
Last Words
Lastly, it’s good idea to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. This can provide essential information about your allergic condition in an emergency situation, especially when you are unable to communicate.