Up to 50 million Americans suffer from allergies of some kind. There are many ways to treat both the immediate symptoms of an allergic reaction as well as prevent future ones. It is most important to treat the effects of serious allergic reactions immediately and then follow up with thorough preventative care.
About Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction occurs when the body reacts to a perceived threat that is inhaled, swallowed, or otherwise put into contact with the body. The body's natural reaction is to respond via immune cells that specifically target particular items. What is unusual about an allergic reaction, as opposed to the immune system's reaction to other pathogens, is that the materials these immune cells respond to -- and cause the symptoms in an allergic reaction -- are usually harmless. It is the body's reaction to them that makes them dangerous.
Symptoms
Allergic reactions to food are the most dangerous. Their symptoms include respiratory problems, congested sinuses, hives and itchy skin, upset stomach, and, most seriously, the swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat. If untreated, these latter symptoms can be fatal. Allergic reactions to plants like poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak can cause serious symptoms, too, but these symptoms are usually limited to intensely uncomfortable skin problems that can last for up to three weeks.
Treatment
In the immediate aftermath of a quickly passing reaction, or if the symptoms to your reaction continue, go to your doctor or the nearest emergency room if the symptoms are serious. Depending on the seriousness of the reaction's symptoms, doctors will treat the symptoms of the reaction before they attempt to treat the source of the allergy. In the most serious cases, they may use epinephrine, adrenaline, to control the reaction's symptoms. After the allergic reaction's symptoms are treated, it is wise to go see your doctor or an allergist to ensure that you are not at an undue risk for serious and potentially life-threatening allergenic reactions in the future. Allergists are doctors with special training in identifying, treating and preventing allergic reactions. The doctor will most likely test you to identify the specific trigger of your allergic reaction, and advise ways or prescribe medication or immunotherapy to assist in preventing serious allergic reactions.
Going Forward
Follow the directions of your doctor and/or allergist and avoid what their prognosis identifies as the trigger of serious allergic reactions. If your allergic reaction was less serious -- for example, a reaction to poison ivy -- you do not have to avoid every potential interaction with poison ivy, but if your reaction was more serious -- for example, a reaction in your throat to peanuts -- be careful to heed their advice.
