How to Treat Allergic Reaction

What is an allergic reaction?

Your immune system creates antibodies to fight off foreign substances so you don’t get sick. Sometimes your system will identify a substance as harmful, even though it isn’t. When this happens, it’s called an allergic reaction.

These substances (allergens) can be anything from food and medication to environments.

When your body comes in contact with these allergens, it can cause mild symptoms like skin irritation, watery eyes, or sneezing. In some people, allergies can lead to anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition. It results in shock, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. This can lead to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.

Immediately call 911 or your local emergency services if you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis.

Your body’s allergic reaction depends on what you’re allergic to. Parts of your body that’ll react include your:

• airways
• nose
• skin
• mouth
• digestive system

Common symptoms

Take a look at the table below to see which symptoms commonly occur for which allergy:

The most serious allergic reactions can cause anaphylaxis. This reaction occurs minutes after exposure and, if left untreated, can lead to loss of consciousness, respiratory distress, and cardiac arrest.

Signs of anaphylaxis include:

• skin reactions, such as hives, itching, or pale skin
• wheezing or trouble with breathing
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• facial swelling
• nausea
• weak and fast pulse

Get emergency help if you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, even if symptoms start to improve. Sometimes symptoms can return in a second phase.

What to do when someone is experiencing anaphylaxis

If you’re with someone who’s experiencing anaphylaxis, you should:

1. Call 911 immediately.
2. See if they have an epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injector (EpiPen) and help them, if needed.
3. Try to keep the person calm.
4. Help the person lie on their back.
5. Raise their feet about 12 inches and cover them with a blanket.
6. Turn them on their side if they’re vomiting or bleeding.
7. Make sure their clothing is loose so they can breathe.

The sooner the person gets their epinephrine, the better.

Avoid giving oral medications, anything to drink, or lifting their head, especially if they’re having trouble breathing.

Your doctor can prescribe emergency epinephrine. The auto-injector comes with a single dose of medication to inject into your thigh. You’ll want to teach your family and close friends how to inject the epinephrine in case of an emergency.

If the person you’re with isn’t breathing, coughing, or moving, you may need to perform CPR. This can be done even without formal CPR training. CPR involves doing chest presses, about 100 per minute, until help arrives.

If you’re interested in learning CPR, contact the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or a local first-aid organization for training.

Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines and decongestants may relieve minor symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Antihistamines prevent symptoms such as hives by blocking histamine receptors so your body doesn’t react to the allergens. Decongestants help clear your nose and are especially effective for seasonal allergies. But don’t take them for more than three days.

These medications are available in tablets, eye drops, and nasal sprays. Many OTC drugs also cause drowsiness, so avoid taking them before driving or doing work that requires a lot of concentration.

Swelling, redness, and itching may be reduced with ice and topical creams that contain corticosteroids.

Make an appointment with your doctor if OTC drugs don’t work. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to the medication.

The best remedies for food allergies usually entail avoiding foods that trigger an allergic reaction. If you accidentally come in contact or eat the food you’re allergic to, OTC drugs can temper the reaction.

However, these drugs only help relieve hives or itching. Oral cromolyn can help your other symptoms. It’s only available by prescription, so talk to your doctor.

You can also treat severe food allergies with epinephrine.

Poisonous plants

According to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, about 7 out of 10 people have an allergic reaction when they touch poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. The sticky substances from these plants, also called urushiol, bind to the skin upon contact.

Symptoms range from mild redness and itching to severe blisters and swelling. Rashes appear anywhere from three hours to a few days after contact and last one to three weeks.

If exposed to poisonous plants, do the following:

1. Avoid touching other areas of your body, especially your face.
2. Clean the area with soap and water for at least 10 minutes.
3. Take a cool bath.
4. Apply calamine or another anti-itching lotion three to four times a day to relieve itching.
5. Soothe inflamed areas with oatmeal products or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream.
6. Wash all clothing and shoes in hot water.

These steps all focus on removing the urushiol from your skin. Severe reactions in children may require a doctor’s visit to prescribe oral steroids or stronger creams to ease symptoms.

See your doctor if you have a high temperature and:

• the scratching gets worse
• the rash spreads to sensitive areas, like the eyes or mouth
• the rash doesn’t improve
• the rash is tender or has pus and yellow scabs

Despite some claims, there’s no scientific evidence to support that scratching an open wound leads to poison in the bloodstream. The leftover oil (urushiol) only touches the immediate area. Avoid spreading the oil immediately by washing the affected area with soap and water.

Stinging insects

Most people will have a reaction to an insect bite, but the most serious reaction is an allergic one. About 2 million people in the United States are allergic to insect stings, estimates the Cleveland Clinic.

Most common insect stings are from:

• bees
• wasps
• yellow jackets
• hornets
• fire ants

Treat insect allergies with these first-aid methods:

1. Remove the stinger with a straightedge object, like a credit card, using a brushing motion. Avoid pulling or squeezing the stinger. This may release more venom into your body.
2. Wash the area with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic after washing.
3. Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. Cover the area with a bandage.
4. If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to the area.
5. Take an antihistamine to reduce itching, swelling, and hives.
6. Take aspirin to relieve pain.

Pregnant women shouldn’t take OTC drugs without getting the OK from their doctor.

Children shouldn’t take aspirin. This is because of the risk of a rare, but fatal, condition called Reye’s syndrome.

Jellyfish stings

If a jellyfish stings you, wash the area with seawater or vinegar for 30 minutes. This will neutralize the jellyfish’s toxin. Apply something cold on the affected area to soothe your skin and lessen pain. Use hydrocortisone cream and an antihistamine to reduce swelling.

The British Red Cross advises that urinating on a jellyfish sting won’t help. In fact, it may actually increase pain.

In most drug allergy cases, your doctor should be able to prescribe an alternative medication. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine may be needed for more serious reactions.

Otherwise, your doctor may recommend a desensitization procedure. This means taking small doses of the medication until your body can handle your dosage.

Once you’ve had an allergic reaction, it’s important to identify the source to avoid future contact. For ingredient-specific allergies, check product ingredients before purchase. Applying lotion before going hiking or camping may help prevent poison ivy from spreading or absorbing into your skin.

The more control you keep over your contact with allergens, the less likely you’ll have an allergic reaction. Make sure your co-workers and friends know about your allergies and where you keep your epinephrine auto-injector. Teaching your friends how to treat an allergic reaction can help save a life.

How to Treat Allergic Reaction

What is an allergic reaction?

Your immune system creates antibodies to fight off foreign substances so you don’t get sick. Sometimes your system will identify a substance as harmful, even though it isn’t. When this happens, it’s called an allergic reaction.

These substances (allergens) can be anything from food and medication to environments.

When your body comes in contact with these allergens, it can cause mild symptoms like skin irritation, watery eyes, or sneezing. In some people, allergies can lead to anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition. It results in shock, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. This can lead to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.

Immediately call 911 or your local emergency services if you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis.

Your body’s allergic reaction depends on what you’re allergic to. Parts of your body that’ll react include your:

• airways
• nose
• skin
• mouth
• digestive system

Common symptoms

Take a look at the table below to see which symptoms commonly occur for which allergy:

The most serious allergic reactions can cause anaphylaxis. This reaction occurs minutes after exposure and, if left untreated, can lead to loss of consciousness, respiratory distress, and cardiac arrest.

Signs of anaphylaxis include:

• skin reactions, such as hives, itching, or pale skin
• wheezing or trouble with breathing
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• facial swelling
• nausea
• weak and fast pulse

Get emergency help if you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, even if symptoms start to improve. Sometimes symptoms can return in a second phase.

What to do when someone is experiencing anaphylaxis

If you’re with someone who’s experiencing anaphylaxis, you should:

1. Call 911 immediately.
2. See if they have an epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injector (EpiPen) and help them, if needed.
3. Try to keep the person calm.
4. Help the person lie on their back.
5. Raise their feet about 12 inches and cover them with a blanket.
6. Turn them on their side if they’re vomiting or bleeding.
7. Make sure their clothing is loose so they can breathe.

The sooner the person gets their epinephrine, the better.

Avoid giving oral medications, anything to drink, or lifting their head, especially if they’re having trouble breathing.

Your doctor can prescribe emergency epinephrine. The auto-injector comes with a single dose of medication to inject into your thigh. You’ll want to teach your family and close friends how to inject the epinephrine in case of an emergency.

If the person you’re with isn’t breathing, coughing, or moving, you may need to perform CPR. This can be done even without formal CPR training. CPR involves doing chest presses, about 100 per minute, until help arrives.

If you’re interested in learning CPR, contact the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or a local first-aid organization for training.

Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines and decongestants may relieve minor symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Antihistamines prevent symptoms such as hives by blocking histamine receptors so your body doesn’t react to the allergens. Decongestants help clear your nose and are especially effective for seasonal allergies. But don’t take them for more than three days.

These medications are available in tablets, eye drops, and nasal sprays. Many OTC drugs also cause drowsiness, so avoid taking them before driving or doing work that requires a lot of concentration.

Swelling, redness, and itching may be reduced with ice and topical creams that contain corticosteroids.

Make an appointment with your doctor if OTC drugs don’t work. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to the medication.

The best remedies for food allergies usually entail avoiding foods that trigger an allergic reaction. If you accidentally come in contact or eat the food you’re allergic to, OTC drugs can temper the reaction.

However, these drugs only help relieve hives or itching. Oral cromolyn can help your other symptoms. It’s only available by prescription, so talk to your doctor.

You can also treat severe food allergies with epinephrine.

Poisonous plants

According to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, about 7 out of 10 people have an allergic reaction when they touch poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. The sticky substances from these plants, also called urushiol, bind to the skin upon contact.

Symptoms range from mild redness and itching to severe blisters and swelling. Rashes appear anywhere from three hours to a few days after contact and last one to three weeks.

If exposed to poisonous plants, do the following:

1. Avoid touching other areas of your body, especially your face.
2. Clean the area with soap and water for at least 10 minutes.
3. Take a cool bath.
4. Apply calamine or another anti-itching lotion three to four times a day to relieve itching.
5. Soothe inflamed areas with oatmeal products or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream.
6. Wash all clothing and shoes in hot water.

These steps all focus on removing the urushiol from your skin. Severe reactions in children may require a doctor’s visit to prescribe oral steroids or stronger creams to ease symptoms.

See your doctor if you have a high temperature and:

• the scratching gets worse
• the rash spreads to sensitive areas, like the eyes or mouth
• the rash doesn’t improve
• the rash is tender or has pus and yellow scabs

Despite some claims, there’s no scientific evidence to support that scratching an open wound leads to poison in the bloodstream. The leftover oil (urushiol) only touches the immediate area. Avoid spreading the oil immediately by washing the affected area with soap and water.

Stinging insects

Most people will have a reaction to an insect bite, but the most serious reaction is an allergic one. About 2 million people in the United States are allergic to insect stings, estimates the Cleveland Clinic.

Most common insect stings are from:

• bees
• wasps
• yellow jackets
• hornets
• fire ants

Treat insect allergies with these first-aid methods:

1. Remove the stinger with a straightedge object, like a credit card, using a brushing motion. Avoid pulling or squeezing the stinger. This may release more venom into your body.
2. Wash the area with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic after washing.
3. Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. Cover the area with a bandage.
4. If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to the area.
5. Take an antihistamine to reduce itching, swelling, and hives.
6. Take aspirin to relieve pain.

Pregnant women shouldn’t take OTC drugs without getting the OK from their doctor.

Children shouldn’t take aspirin. This is because of the risk of a rare, but fatal, condition called Reye’s syndrome.

Jellyfish stings

If a jellyfish stings you, wash the area with seawater or vinegar for 30 minutes. This will neutralize the jellyfish’s toxin. Apply something cold on the affected area to soothe your skin and lessen pain. Use hydrocortisone cream and an antihistamine to reduce swelling.

The British Red Cross advises that urinating on a jellyfish sting won’t help. In fact, it may actually increase pain.

In most drug allergy cases, your doctor should be able to prescribe an alternative medication. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine may be needed for more serious reactions.

Otherwise, your doctor may recommend a desensitization procedure. This means taking small doses of the medication until your body can handle your dosage.

Once you’ve had an allergic reaction, it’s important to identify the source to avoid future contact. For ingredient-specific allergies, check product ingredients before purchase. Applying lotion before going hiking or camping may help prevent poison ivy from spreading or absorbing into your skin.

The more control you keep over your contact with allergens, the less likely you’ll have an allergic reaction. Make sure your co-workers and friends know about your allergies and where you keep your epinephrine auto-injector. Teaching your friends how to treat an allergic reaction can help save a life.

The most effective new generation allergy pills, which medicine is best

Publication date: 09/27/2021

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS. A SPECIALIST’S CONSULTATION IS REQUIRED. 0013

• Allergies
• Sun allergy
• Inexpensive but effective allergy pills
• New generation allergy pills
• Symptomatic medications
• Resources

Allergy is the reaction of the immune system to substances that usually do not harm a person (foods, drugs, plant pollen). But acting as an allergen, they provoke the production of antibodies, resulting in negative symptoms. Allergic reactions with varying degrees of manifestation occur at any age.

You cannot get rid of pathology forever, but modern allergy pills allow you to reliably stop its symptoms and forget about the problem for a long time. However, before purchasing an antiallergic agent, you need to visit a doctor and establish the cause of the development of unpleasant symptoms.

Types of allergies

There are several types of allergies:

• Respiratory (respiratory) – some odors, dust, plant pollen cause allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis.
• Food – certain products lead to the development of a variety of manifestations: small isolated or more extensive, combined lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), skin, respiratory organs.
• Medicinal – drugs increase the sensitivity of the body and cause allergic symptoms.
• Insect – occurs when an insect bites or comes into contact with their waste products.

The most dangerous manifestation of allergy is anaphylactic shock. It develops in a matter of minutes in response to the ingestion of medicines, insect venom, blood products.

Some people develop negative symptoms when exposed to sunlight.

Sun allergy

Allergic effect of the sun is manifested by the interaction of ultraviolet rays with substances found on the skin or in the skin. In sensitive people, allergies occur when exposed to ultraviolet radiation on the skin, which has come into contact with the pollen of certain plants. Also, an allergic reaction can occur if creams, ointments, perfumes, deodorants are used before going outside. Often, sulfonamides, antibiotics, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), statins become the cause of photodermatosis.

Photodermatosis manifests itself on the skin:

• redness and inflammation;
• peeling;
• itching and burning;
• rashes.

It is very important to identify the cause of the allergy and take the necessary measures at the initial stage of its occurrence. Advanced stages lead to the development of such serious pathologies as bronchial asthma, eczema, sinusitis.

Inexpensive but effective allergy pills

Two categories of drugs are used for treatment – antihistamines (eliminate the cause of the reaction) and symptomatic (help to remove the consequences of manifestations).

Antihistamines are medicines that prevent the release of histamine. It is this substance that excites cells to resist various external factors. There are already 3 generations of drugs, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.

I generation

These inexpensive products are used when you need a quick effect. But they are not used for long-term treatment. A significant drawback of these medicines is side effects, manifested by drowsiness, lethargy, and headache. Not recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers. The most famous drugs: Tavegil, Suprastin, Diphenhydramine.

II generation

These more modern drugs have virtually no sedative effect. With a frequency of admission 1 time per day, they can be taken up to 4 weeks. If the benefit exceeds the potential risk, pregnant women are allowed to take it. Zirtek, Loratadin-VERTEX, Claritin have proven themselves well. These preparations can be used even for children.

All products Suprastin

20 reviews

All products Zyrtec

3 reviews

All products Claritin

20 reviews

All products Tavegil

20 reviews

Allergy pills of new generation

Third generation drugs include fexofenadine or desloratadine. Thanks to these substances, they are not addictive, so you can take them for more than a month.

Anti-allergic preparations containing fexofenadine eliminate allergic symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, itchy skin. Their action begins within an hour after ingestion and lasts 12 hours. Allowed for children from 6 years old. Preparations with fexofenadine are produced under the names Telfast, Gifast, Allegra.

Products with desloratadine not only fight allergies, but also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Extremely rarely cause drowsiness, do not affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system (CVS). They begin to act 30-40 minutes after application. The most effective inexpensive allergy pills: Erius, Ezlor, Desal. Preparations in the form of syrup are allowed for children from the age of one.

All products Erius

20 reviews

All products Allegra

5 reviews

All products Desal

5 reviews

All products Ezlor

5 reviews

Symptomatic drugs

The possibilities of antihistamines are not always enough to remove all allergic manifestations. Relieve itching, runny nose, symptoms of conjunctivitis help symptoms.

Nasal sprays and drops to help relieve allergies. According to doctors and patients, allergy remedies are the most effective:

• Tizin Allergy causes an effect 5 minutes after application. Duration of action – up to 12 hours. Approved for use by children from 6 years of age, pregnant women – if the expected benefit outweighs the risks;
• Allergodil – does not contain hormones, can be used for prophylactic purposes.

To eliminate lacrimation and itching of the eyes, eye drops Vizin, Allomid are used. Effective Santen (Santen AL Free) – eye drops for allergies. Country of origin: Japan. Remove redness and itching. But these drops are not a drug. Released without a prescription.

Teagel, a specially developed gel for eyelids and eyelashes, will also help alleviate the condition. It removes allergens from the surface of the eyelids and normalizes the condition of the skin.

Antihistamines greatly relieve allergies. But, like any medicine, they have side effects and contraindications. And some of them are used only in a hospital setting. Therefore, you should not prescribe a medicine for yourself, let your doctor do it.

References

1. Allergies: symptoms, NHS
2. Allergy Treatment, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
3. Allergy Treatment Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

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6 useful tips for those who suffer from allergies

Allergology-immunology

Allergy is an unpleasant disease, but its manifestations (nasal congestion, watery eyes, shortness of breath, sneezing, and others) can be negated by following simple rules.

Be careful when cleaning the house

If you are allergic to pollen, cleaning your home will not be an easy and quick job for you. You need to mop the floors and vacuum at least a couple of times a week. It is desirable that your vacuum cleaner has a special filter installed that can capture even the smallest allergens. When wiping dust, it is better to use a damp cloth so as not to raise dust into the air, but to collect it. When you are cleaning, it is advisable to wear a mask.

Outdoor training

Scientific studies have shown that exercise helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, which is more than 40% for all those prone to allergic reactions. When you exercise, the body sends most of the blood to the parts of the body that you exert during exercise. Thanks to this, the blood vessels in the nose remain in the same state, so breathing is easier.

You should know that it is best to exercise outdoors after or during the rain, because at this time pollen does not fly around. The most effective types of exercise that significantly alleviate allergic symptoms are aerobics and yoga. They make you focus on breathing and help relieve nasal congestion.

Try acupuncture

Studies show that pollen allergic patients report a significant reduction in their allergic symptoms when they are given acupuncture along with antihistamines. On the other hand, patients receiving only antihistamines and sham treatment with acupuncture did not notice any improvement.

Vitamin C intake

A menu high in vitamin C (strawberries, bell peppers) can help relieve allergy symptoms. Vitamin C is a mild and natural antihistamine. You should take 400 to 900 mg three times a day to noticeably reduce your allergy symptoms. Even a small dietary adjustment combined with vitamin supplementation can show significant improvement.

Drink tea

Most people believe that any type of tea is good for allergies. Of course, black and green tea are ideal for people suffering from allergies (unless, of course, they are allergic to tea specifically), but it is easy to relieve unpleasant symptoms with the help of some herbs. Tea with the addition of mint, nettle and ginger can be drunk 2 times a day. A good effect can also be obtained by drinking 1-2 cups of tea with the addition of turmeric.

Control alcohol consumption

Beer, wine and spirits contain substances that are obtained from yeast and bacteria formed during the fermentation process. Red and white wine, for example, can provoke the manifestation of allergic reactions. A study conducted back in 2008 proved that even 2 glasses of wine a day significantly worsen the condition of a person suffering from allergies.

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