Allergic reactions and some of their symptoms

• April 24, 2024

Allergy is a common condition shared by many, regardless of age or sex. There are also different triggers that make it a challenge. However, it is very important to know how allergic reactions can be treated when they occur.

Different types of allergies

Understanding the cause or triggers is the best way to differentiate the types of allergy. These are just some of the most common:

• Food allergy
• Allergy to insect venom
• Allergy to the air: This type of allergy is triggered by allergens in the air

Symptoms of allergic reactions

The symptoms vary according to the type of allergy and person to person. However, there are general symptoms. For your guidance, these are listed below. However, not all appear necessarily at the same time:

• Inflammation in the specific area of ​​the body affected by the allergy
• Redness of the skin
• Itchy skin rash
• Feeling dizzy or fainting
• Difficulty breathing similar to asthma attack

Practical care for allergic reactions

Prevention begins at home. A good knowledge of your specific type of allergy is vital in the prevention of serious allergic reactions. Here are some practical tips you should know:

• Avoid the possible triggers of an allergic reaction. For example, if your allergy is caused by a particular type of food, be sure to avoid them at all times.
• Do not wait until the allergy reactions become severe. Seek medical help as soon as the first signs show up.
• For mild symptoms, OTC medications usually respond well. However, you should take these medications for a few days.
• If you have allergic skin rashes, ointments containing anti-inflammatory steroids such as hydrocortisone are usually effective.

Medical treatment

When anti-allergy medication is not enough, it may require treatment, especially for people suffering from anaphylactic shock. In cases where an individual has difficulty breathing, oxygen must be administered.

Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions

Anaphylaxis is the term used to refer to severe and extreme cases of allergic reactions. The condition is also known as anaphylactic shock that involves different systems within the body. The deadly effects of the evolution of a severe allergic reaction include circulatory collapse and life-threatening respiratory conditions.

Depending on a person's sensitivity, an allergic reaction can occur within several minutes or a few hours after initial exposure to allergens. There are also different substances that can cause extreme allergic reactions, but the symptoms are more or less similar. Eyes or lips may suffer from severe inflammation. In some cases, the swelling may occur inside your throat and make breathing extremely difficult. Other symptoms include reduced blood pressure, inadequate internal organs, nausea, abdominal cramps, dizziness, loss of mental reflexes, among others.

First aid for anaphylaxis

Once you notice any of the symptoms listed above or observe someone who suffers from them, call Emergencies quickly. Next, the following first aid procedures will follow:

• Check the medications for the allergic attack. It could be an epinephrine injection and be sure to follow the instructions for correct use. When pressing the injection into the patient's skin, hold in that position for a few seconds before withdrawing. Next, massage the area where it was injected for rapid absorption of the medication.
• While the person is lying on their back, elevate the feet a little so that they are higher than the head.
• If the person is wearing tight clothing, be sure to loosen it.
• Shelter the patient.
• Avoid giving the patient any drink, as it may contain allergens that could trigger more allergic reactions.
• If the person is bleeding or vomiting, keep them on their side to avoid drowning.
• Verify vital signs. If they do not exist, start administering CPR.

Video Medicine: These 8 Foods Cause Most Allergic Reactions (April 2024).