Allergic Reaction
What is Allergic Reaction?
What causes an allergic reaction?
What symptoms appear during an allergic reaction?
The most common allergens and their symptoms include:
Airborne allergens
The allergens you inhale cause classic symptoms such as:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Congested nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Itchy nose, eye, or mouth
Contact allergens
These allergens trigger a rash, redness, and swelling when they come into contact with your skin. The most common contact allergens include latex, nickel, and poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
Stinging insect allergies
When insects like bees, hornets, and wasps inject venom, most people experience localized pain, redness, and swelling. You have a more severe allergy if your reaction spreads beyond the area of the sting.
Food allergies
Food allergies primarily cause nausea, diarrhea, cramps, and abdominal pain. They can also cause a full range of symptoms, including an itchy mouth, a runny nose, nasal congestion, wheezing, hives, and skin rashes.
Most food allergies come from:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Soy
Drug allergies
Can I have a life-threatening allergic reaction?
If you have allergies, you can have a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis occurs rapidly and causes an overwhelming response that can lead to shock and even death.
Seek immediate emergency care if you experience symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Swollen lips, tongue, or throat
- Feeling faint
- Feeling confused
- Chest pain
- Loss of consciousness
Can I prevent anaphylaxis?
If you have a high risk of anaphylaxis, your provider at Bellagio Family Medical, prescribes a self-injectable epinephrine pen. Injecting yourself quickly with the pen stops an anaphylactic reaction.
If you need help dealing with allergic reactions, call Bellagio Family Medical, or book an appointment online today.