Allergic Reactions

An allergy is your body's immune system overreaction to normally harmless materials in the environment. You can be allergic to certain animals or foods, to drugs or chemicals, to insect stings, or to pollen in the air. The substances that cause allergies are called allergens. Some allergies are so mild that you may not even know that you have one. But rarely some allergic reactions can be so severe that they put your life in danger. When you go into allergic shock, or anaphylaxis, your whole body has a severe reaction to an allergen that affects you.

You are most likely to go into allergic shock after taking a drug or eating something you are allergic to, or after an insect sting. Allergic shock also can happen after skin contact with an allergen, such as latex. Under certain conditions, you can develop allergic shock while exercising.

What to Do

Mild allergic reactions can include sniffling, sneezing, and watery eyes, almost like the symptoms of a cold. You may also develop a mild rash. But when you go into allergic shock, your whole body can be involved. Allergic shock can happen within 15 minutes of exposure to an allergen, so quick action is needed at the earliest sign of symptoms. Call your provider immediately or go to an urgent care center or an emergency room.

Some people with severe allergies carry an EPIPEN, a syringe that injects epinephrine, a medication that makes the reaction less severe. If the person shows symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, use the EPIPEN immediately and call 911.

Self-Care Steps for Allergic Shock

• Avoid foods, chemicals, drugs, and other substances that have caused allergic reactions.

• Wear a medical alert bracelet that warns of your allergy and tells what to do in an emergency. Inform your friends and co-workers of your allergies.

• Tell your doctor and dentist about any medication allergies you have. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications.

• Check labels before taking over-the-counter medication or eating foods if you have medication or food allergies.