Allergic reactions are common but vary in intensity from mild to severe. They happen when a person is sensitive to substances that come in contact with the eyes, nose, skin, respiratory system or gastrointestinal tract. Usually, reactions happen soon after you have had contact with the allergen. Common culprits include animal dander, bee and insect stings, foods such as nuts, shellfish and eggs, plants, pollens and medications. Symptoms of mild reactions include hives, itching, rashes and watery eyes. Severe reactions, called anaphylaxis, can cause chest tightness, dizziness or lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, swelling of the face, eyes or tongue and palpitations. Anaphylaxis comes on suddenly and requires immediate medical attention. Without treatment, anaphylaxis can cause death within 15 minutes.
Dealing With a Mild Reaction
Step 1
Reassure the person who is having an allergic reaction in a calm manner. Anxiety can cause symptoms to be worse. Identify what caused the reaction, and keep the person away from it. If it is a bee sting, use something firm such as a fingernail or plastic credit to scrape the stinger off the skin. Avoid using tweezers, as they can release more venom.
Step 2
Apply a cool compress to an itchy rash if the person develops one. Put hydrocortisone cream from the drugstore on the rash. Stay close and observe the person for any signs of increasing distress.
Step 3
Obtain medical help. A doctor may recommend something over the counter, such as antihistamines, to help decrease the reaction. Follow the doctor's instructions as to how to treat the reaction.
Dealing With a Severe Reaction
Step 1
Check the airway, breathing and circulation of the person having the reaction. Watch for signs such as hoarse or whispered voice or coarse sounds when the person is inhaling, which can indicate a dangerous swelling of the throat. Start CPR and rescue breathing if necessary.
Step 2
Contact 911, while you work to calm yourself and the other person in a reassuring manner.
If the severe reaction is caused by a bee sting, scrape the stinger off with a plastic credit card or fingernail. If the person has emergency medication on hand, such as an EpiPen autoinjector, help him give himself the shot of adrenaline. If the person is having difficulty breathing, avoid trying to give them medication by mouth.
Step 3
Prevent shock by having the person lie flat, with feet raised about 12 inches off the floor. Cover him with a blanket, coat or whatever you can find. Avoid placing him in this position if it is uncomfortable or if there is an injury to the head, back, neck or leg.
Step 4
Prevent anaphylaxis by avoiding substances you know to cause severe allergic reactions. Wear a medical alert bracelet that names what drugs you are allergic to, and tell your doctor about your drug allergies before any medical treatment. Wait 30 minutes before leaving the doctor's office in case you have a reaction to the allergy shot. Have an emergency kit on hand at all times that includes an epinephrine autoinjector. Be cautious around insects if you are allergic, wearing long sleeves and long pants, staying away from bright colors and colognes. Stay calm around stinging insects. Don't walk barefoot in the grass or with sandals if you have insect allergies. Read food labels carefully if you have food allergies. Ask your server about food ingredients if you are dining out.
Tips and Warnings
- Be aware of the common triggers of anaphylaxis, including certain medications, such as penicillin; foods, such as peanuts, pecans, walnuts, fish, shellfish, milk and eggs; and insect stings from yellow jackets, bees, hornets, wasps and fire ants.
- Do not assume that the person who has had allergy shots will receive complete protection from them. Avoid placing a pillow under someone's head if she is having trouble breathing because this can block the airway.
Things You'll Need
- Scraping instrument, such as fingernail or credit card
- Cool compresses
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Emergency allergy medication
