Immediate medical attention is advisable for allergic reactions since they can rapidly progress and worsen. If you experience anything beyond minor and localized symptoms, seek medical care.
If your symptoms worsen over several days or do not improve with recommended treatment and allergen removal, contact your healthcare provider.
Inform your healthcare provider if you develop any allergic symptoms after using a prescribed drug or treatment (Drug Allergy).
Allergic reactions can be dangerous, particularly sudden, severe, and widespread reactions, which necessitate emergency evaluation by a medical professional. Call an ambulance if you or someone near you experiences any of the following during an allergic reaction:
Avoid allergens that trigger your allergies. For instance, if you are allergic to peanuts, steer clear of them and foods prepared with or near peanuts (Food Allergy).
In severe reactions, self-care at home is insufficient. Severe reactions constitute a medical emergency.
Minor reactions with mild symptoms can usually be managed with over-the-counter allergy medications:
For minor, localized skin reactions, consider applying cold, wet cloths or ice. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel.
Many people become adept at recognizing their allergy triggers and learn to avoid them.
An allergist can help you identify your triggers through various allergy tests:
Individuals with a history of severe or anaphylactic reactions may be prescribed an auto-injector, often called a bee-sting kit. This device contains a premeasured dose of epinephrine (EpiPen is one brand). Carry it with you and use it if you encounter a substance that triggers a severe allergic reaction.
Some evidence suggests that breast-fed infants have a lower likelihood of developing allergies compared to bottle-fed infants.