Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions can be very serious or even fatal and it can occur almost instantly leaving little reaction time. Allergic reactions occur when a persons who are sensitive to an allergen experience uncomfortable symptoms. Common allergens that trigger symptoms are dogs, cats, bee stings, dust, dust mites, trees, weeds, molds, and foods, such as nuts, strawberries, and shellfish, which usually start to occur within seconds of exposure and can cause mild to moderate reactions such as, skin rashes, hives, itching, sneezing, or watery eyes. More moderate to severe allergic reactions include difficulty breathing, swelling of tongue, wheezing, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, chest pain or tightness, and unconsciousness. Acute anaphylactic allergic reactions happen suddenly and progress rapidly; treatment must be administered within fifteen minutes or death could occur from anaphylactic shock.

Most allergic reactions occur quickly but some may take up to a few hours, and do not usually occur after twenty-four hours from exposure. Allergic reactions tend to be more severe when exposure to allergen is repeated on different occasions, and each time it requires smaller and smaller amounts of the allergen to cause symptoms. In most cases of environmental and pet allergies, simply taking an antihistamine such as Benadryl, and/or a decongestant will relieve symptoms, and some people also may also require immunotherapy and asthma treatment in addition to other medications as well. Substances like shellfish, poison ivy, peanuts, and bee stings should be avoided whenever possible, because more severe reactions usually result when exposure occurs. Some adults and children who have experienced severe allergic reactions in the past, must carry an Epi-Pen in case of accidental exposure. The Epi-Pen contains epinephrine and comes in a pre-filled syringe ready for emergency administration. Simply pull off the needle guard and inject into a large muscle, such as the thigh. The Epi-Pen can be administered right through clothing so there is no need to waste valuable time trying to remove clothing.

After an allergic reaction has begun it is very important to monitor the person. If symptoms do not subside within five minutes and they continue to worsen even after administration of an Epi-Pen, emergency treatment should be sought immediately. Visit the National Library of Health and National Institutes of Health at www.nlm.nih.gov for more information on allergic reactions and answers to other health related questions. Allergic reactions are quite common and it is important that people know what to do in the event one occurs to themselves or someone else – it could be a matter of life or death.