Understanding Symptoms
Firstly, it's important to acknowledge the symptoms. Mild reactions may include:
- Itching or tingling mouth
- Hives, itching or eczema
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body
- Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
Severe reactions might progress into anaphylaxis that need immediate medical attention:
- Difficulty breathing due to constricted airways
- Rapid pulse
- Significant drop in blood pressure
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness
Seek Immediate Help
In case of severe symptoms as mentioned earlier, one should seek immediate medical assistance. Call your local emergency number immediately. It would be helpful to have someone stay with you to monitor your symptoms.
Inject epinephrine immediately, if it's available and you're familiar with the process, while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
Mild Symptoms
If the symptoms are mild, it is recommended to take over-the-counter antihistamines. These can help alleviate symptoms like itching and hives.
Please note, antihistamines can't be used to substitute professional medical help if you're experiencing severe reactions like difficulty breathing or feeling faint. These can be signs of anaphylaxis.
Visit a Health Professional
Post the immediate treatment, schedule an appointment with your allergist for a follow-up. It's necessary to understand what triggered your reaction and how to prevent them in future.
Immunotherapy
If you find yourself frequently grappling with allergies, you might consider a more permanent solution, like immunotherapy. It's a type of treatment aimed at changing the immune system to prevent an allergic reaction.
Disclaimer
This guide is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice and should be used only as a reference. If you believe you're suffering from an allergic reaction, do seek professional help immediately. Allergies can be life-threatening and need to be treated by a healthcare professional.