Some people are vulnerable to dust, foods, pollen, shellfish, and pet hair that cause allergic reactions. The symptoms can be mild to life-threatening. So, when you have an allergic reaction, it is crucial to know what to do. Before we look at the steps to take, let us look at the symptoms of an allergy.
Symptoms of an Allergy
If you are allergic to something, you may react when you touch, smell, or eat it. This reaction is from the response to the production of histamine that deals with the substance. The natural response triggers symptoms like rash, itching, bumps, difficulty breathing, mouth swelling, and sneezing. Therefore, if you constantly experience any of these symptoms when you eat or touch something, there is a high probability you are addicted to it.
How to Treat Allergies
If the reaction is not life-threatening, it is recommended to look for urgent care near me. You can also use various home remedies depending on the situation. Here are the remedies for treating common symptoms of allergic reactions.
Difficulty Breathing
If you or your loved one has difficulty breathing due to an allergic reaction, it is advisable to call 911 or urgent care. This is crucial if the reaction is not life-threatening. However, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention from a hospital for severe reactions. A person with a serious reaction can use the epinephrine injector. It requires a quick reaction to save a life.
Sneezing
You can use OTC medicines like an antihistamine to treat the reactions when you have multiple reactions like sneezing, watery eyes, itching, and such. Doctors recommend against medicines with a sedative effect since it makes the reactions worse. So, know the right medicine to take and relax as you wait for the symptoms to disappear.
Bumps
The good thing with hives is that they go away with time. In the meantime, you can use cool compressors and avoid taking hot showers. Make sure your room is also cool to avoid making the hives worse. You should also wear loose clothes to avoid skin irritation.
Skin Reactions
If you have reactions like a rash, redness, and itchiness, the best remedy is using lukewarm water to soothe the allergy. Afterward, you can use a lotion or cream for more relief. Consider seeking medical care if the rash or itchiness does not go away. It could be a sign of an infection or something worse. Avoid using it if you think something like makeup or jewelry could be causing the reaction. You should also remove the clothes that came into contact with the allergen.
Knowing what causes the allergic reactions is crucial to avoid the triggers now and in the future. If you have a problem, it will help if you seek help from a doctor. Another good way of avoiding triggers is by taking an allergy test. It helps point out the reasons for your reactions which helps to develop a suitable treatment plan and join the dots to the allergy triggers.