Am I Having an Allergic Reaction?
An allergic reaction is a response of the body to an allergen, which is anything that causes an allergic reaction. The most common allergic reactions are skin reactions, such as hives, eczema, and swelling. Other allergic reactions include hay fever, asthma, and food allergies.
Allergic reactions can become severe and result in a medical emergency. Keep reading to learn when to head to the ER.
Emergency Signs of an Allergic Reaction
The symptoms of an allergic reaction vary depending on the person and the allergen involved. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about 30 percent of people in the United States have allergies. And of those allergic individuals, about 20 percent will have a severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, at some point in their lives. Anaphylaxis is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen.
There are some common signs of a severe allergic reaction that you should be aware of. If you experience any of these symptoms after coming into contact with an allergen, it is important to seek medical attention immediately:
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Hives or welts
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Throat swelling
- Dizziness or lightheaded
- Significant decrease in blood pressure
At times, patients are unaware that they’ve been exposed to an allergen, or are unaware that they have an allergy to begin with. For this reason, it’s important to seek medical attention for the above symptoms, either way, to ensure you’re properly taken care of.
Emergency Allergic Reaction Care in Longview, Lufkin, Nacogdoches, and Odessa
If you or someone you know is experiencing an allergic reaction, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Allergic reactions can be life-threatening, so it is important to get the care you need as soon as possible.
Contact Excel ER online or call us at (903) 500-7321 for more information about our locations in Longview, Nacogdoches, Lufkin, and Odessa today.