Millions of people in America suffer from allergies each year. An allergic reaction results from your immune system responding to foreign substances entering the body. Things like pollen, dander or food particles will cause the immune system to produce antibodies that identify these substances as harmful, even though they aren’t. The body will then develop symptoms or reactions, such as itching, sneezing, skin rashes, difficulty breathing and more.
Allergy severity varies from person to person. Some reactions are minor, while others can lead to a life-threatening emergency. While many allergies can be treated with over-the-counter medicines, immediate medical attention is required in some cases.
What Does an Allergic Reaction Feel Like?
When it comes to feeling the physical effects of an allergic reaction, your unique allergy profile will cause a symptom combination that’s unique to you. Not everyone experiences an allergic reaction the same way, and you might not have every symptom that someone else exhibits.
Common allergic symptoms include:
- Itching
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Trouble Breathing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Watery Eyes
- Sneezing
- Sore Throat
If you suffer from severe allergic reactions, you may go into anaphylaxis when you encounter an allergen. Anaphylactic shock occurs when there’s a sudden release of chemicals called histamines, which causes swelling throughout the body. This reaction can lead to death if not treated quickly. Symptoms usually start within minutes after exposure to an allergen:
- Difficulty breathing from throat swelling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fainting
It’s important for anyone who discovers they’ve had an allergic reaction to consider visiting a doctor for patch tests, otherwise known as allergy skin tests. If a severe allergic reaction is present, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible.
What Do Allergic Reactions Look Like?
Not all allergic reactions are accompanied by physical symptoms, but they can become apparent on the body. From rashes to breakouts to redness, allergic reactions occur differently for each person.
Some of the common symptoms of bodily allergic reactions include:
- Raised red rash
- Red eyes
- Swollen lips, tongue, eyes, or cheeks
- Red and cracked skin
- Hives
Allergic Reaction Treatment and Care
When receiving medical care for allergies, your doctor will determine the best course of treatment based on the allergen causing your reaction. There are a few different methods of controlling allergies that can reduce your chances of having a moderate to severe reaction. Treating allergies can also help alleviate their discomfort. Doctors may suggest one or more of the following:
- Avoidance – Avoiding your allergens is one of the best ways to avoid reactions. However, it’s not always possible to avoid allergens, but reducing your exposure to them can significantly increase the chances of your body not reacting. For example, avoid the outdoors if it’s windy and keep your space clean by vacuuming or buying an air purifier. They can greatly keep pet dander to a minimum and lessen pollen that travels from your clothes to the indoors.
- Over-The-Counter Medication – Some medications like antihistamines, corticosteroids, and nasal sprays may effectively manage allergy symptoms. Always consult with your physician before taking any medications for your allergies.
- Immunotherapy – Some ENTs or allergy clinics can offer immunotherapy, a form of long-term allergy symptom treatment. Immunotherapy treats allergies by using injections that contain a little of your allergen to acclimate your body to your unique allergens.
- Epinephrine Auto-Injector – Keep on hand an Epinephrine Auto-Injector, generally used as a first aid response to anaphylactic shock (also known as the EpiPen). However, you should still seek medical attention after using it, as they only provide temporary relief until you get to the nearest medical facility.
Get the Treatment You Need at PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care
If you feel you’re having a true emergency, call 911 immediately. If you’re experiencing pain or severe allergies, seek medical attention and visit PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care.
Unlike most ERs or urgent care centers in the area, PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care in Albuquerque, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER and urgent care are open 24 hours a day, every day. No appointment is required for in-person visits.
PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care has four convenient locations:
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Paseo/San Pedro is located at 6400 Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, and may be reached at 505-596-2100.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Coors/Western Trail is located at 4515 Coors Blvd. NW Albuquerque, NM 87120, and may be reached at 505-596-2200.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Isleta/Rio Bravo is located at 3436 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, and may be reached at 505-596-2300.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Menaul/Pennsylvania is located at 7400 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, and may be reached at 505-596-2400.
