The immune system is one of the most complex systems in the body. From the moment you take your first breath, it acts as your first line of defense against foreign invaders such as bacteria, parasites, viruses and other potentially harmful agents.
While its amazing efficiency is its biggest strength, it can also backfire. Allergies are caused by our immune system mistaking harmless substances for dangerous ones and attacking them. If you have a severe allergic reaction, you’ll need immediate emergency treatment, so it’s important to know how to spot one.
Mild vs. Severe Allergic Reactions
Knowing the symptoms to look out for can help you make a quick and knowledgeable decision if you or someone close to you is having an allergic reaction. Below are the symptoms of mild allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
Mild Allergic Reaction Symptoms
Many people live with mild allergies. They’re typically triggered by foods, pollen, pets, insect stings or dust, and while they may be uncomfortable, they aren’t a serious health threat. Many mild allergic reactions can often be managed with over-the-counter medications and by avoiding the trigger, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. You can usually treat them safely at home with over-the-counter medicine or simply wait them out, as symptoms will likely subside after eliminating the trigger. Some common symptoms of mild allergies include:
- Respiratory symptoms: The most common sign that you’re dealing with a mild allergic reaction is suddenly getting flu-like symptoms such as constant sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose and a sore throat.
- Eye issues: Some mild allergies may cause red, itchy and watery eyes.
- Skin irritation: Mild allergies may also cause visible rashes or mild itching in small areas on your body.
- Systemic symptoms: A mild food allergy is likely to upset your stomach, making you feel bloated or nauseous.
You can treat these symptoms with antihistamines, which are medications that block the chemical that your body releases during allergic reactions. Allergy eye drops can help soothe your itchy eyes, and nasal decongestants can clear your runny nose.
Severe Allergic Reaction Symptoms
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that starts suddenly and can be life-threatening. It may only take a few seconds for the symptoms to kick in from the moment your body is exposed to the allergen, and the chemicals that your body releases in response may narrow your airways, drop your blood pressure to dangerously low levels or cause your body to go into shock.
Severe allergies typically affect multiple body systems at the same time, so they may produce multiple symptoms at once. Look out for any combination of the following signs:
- Respiratory symptoms: Since one of the symptoms is narrowing of the airways, you may experience difficulty breathing, severe coughing and/or a feeling of tightness in your chest.
- Skin and mouth issues: One of the most visible signs that you’re going through a severe allergic reaction is swelling of your lips, tongue, throat or entire face. You may also experience hives and severe itching around your mouth and nose.
- Cardiovascular signs: Your body’s cardiovascular system may be affected, with consequences such as a rapid but weak pulse, dizziness and fainting sensations or a sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Gastrointestinal issues: While a mild allergy may cause minor stomach issues, a severe one may lead to vomiting, diarrhea and painful cramps.
When To Go to the ER for an Allergic Reaction
As a general rule, if you have even the slightest suspicion that you’re experiencing one or more of the severe allergic reaction symptoms listed above, you should seek emergency medical help right away. If you suspect you’re experiencing symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Severe reactions can worsen rapidly and become life-threatening.
What Causes Severe Allergic Reactions?
Many things can cause bad allergic reactions. Common examples include foods such as peanuts and shellfish, some medications and wasp or bee stings. You can also experience a severe allergic reaction without any obvious trigger, which is called idiopathic anaphylaxis.
What To Expect in the ER for an Allergic Reaction
If you or a loved one is in need of emergency medical help following a severe allergic reaction, Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospitals has the staff and equipment to provide quality emergency care. While no two cases are the same, the steps we’ll take once you arrive at our emergency room will likely involve:
- Assessing the situation: We’ll start by evaluating your symptoms and looking for emergency signs such as breathing difficulties, low oxygen levels and dangerously low blood pressure.
- Providing emergency treatment: Depending on your symptoms, treatment may include epinephrine, oxygen therapy, IV fluids and other medications to help stabilize your condition and reduce the allergic response.
- Post-treatment monitoring: Symptoms can occasionally return after initial improvement, which is why patients are often monitored before discharge.
Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospitals Locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, there are several Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospitals you can visit to get quality emergency care. We have locations in Aubrey, Burleson, Colleyville, Grand Prairie, Keller, Mansfield, Murphy and Rockwall. Knowing which location is closest to your home can help ensure you get prompt medical assistance in case of an emergency.
How To Prepare for a Future Allergy Emergency
If you suspect you’re allergic to something, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with an allergist. They can perform tests to discover your allergies. Knowing what your triggers are can help you avoid them, and it also helps to inform friends and family so they can be careful not to expose you. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, your doctor may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector that you should carry with you at all times and that you can use to quickly address serious symptoms.
Get Emergency Care for Severe Allergic Reactions in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Allergic reactions can turn from seemingly mild to dangerous in a matter of minutes, so you should never neglect them. If you’re ever in need of emergency treatment, it may reassure you to know there’s a Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospitals location nearby. Contact us to learn more about our services.