Allergies range from being simple nuisances to real medical emergencies. The allergic reaction occurs when the body produces antibodies to fight substances that are not really dangerous (such as animal hair or dust mites). This excessive immune system response triggers symptoms that make you feel terrible, such as skin irritation, asthma, or digestive upset, sometimes posing a real threat to life. There are several home remedies you can try to help reduce allergic reactions, but if they don't work, it's best to see a doctor.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: See a Doctor Immediately in Case of Severe Allergy
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of anaphylactic shock
It could occur within minutes of exposure to the allergic substance and quickly prove fatal. Symptoms include:
- Urticaria;
- Itching;
- Pale or red skin
- Feeling of having a closed throat
- Swollen throat or tongue
- Difficulty or labored breathing
- Weak or fast pulse
- He retched;
- Diarrhea;
- Fainting.
Step 2. Use your epinephrine auto-injector if you have one
If you have a measured dose of epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) with you, inject it immediately following the instructions on the package.
- Inject it into the outer thigh. Do not inject it elsewhere, or the risk of side effects will increase.
- Do not use the auto-injector if the content has changed color or has solid parts.
Step 3. See your doctor anyway, even if you feel better after giving the injection
Since anaphylactic shock can quickly lead to death, it is essential to go to the emergency room even if the symptoms seem to have disappeared.
- If symptoms reappear, you will need to see a doctor again.
- Side effects that may arise after the epinephrine injection include: skin reactions, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, vomiting, stroke, and breathing problems.
Part 2 of 4: Identifying the Source of the Problem
Step 1. Identify major allergens, for example food-borne allergens (such as nuts), which can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions, manifesting through skin irritation, nausea and sometimes anaphylactic shock
In many cases the body develops symptoms of different types, based on the allergen. Allergens are substances capable of triggering an allergic reaction by the immune system. Here is a list of the most common:
- Some substances found in the air, such as pollen, dead cells, skin and animal hair (which can make us allergic to dogs or cats for example), dust mites or molds, which often cause asthma, cough and frequent sneezing.
- Bee or wasp stings, which can cause swelling, pain, itching and, in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock.
- Foods such as peanuts (and other nuts), wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and milk can cause digestive problems, for example nausea, vomiting or diarrhea and, in extreme cases, even anaphylactic shock.
- Medicines such as penicillin often cause systemic reactions, which include for example itchy skin irritation, hives or even anaphylactic shock.
- Latex or other substances which, if in contact with the skin, can cause localized irritation, with symptoms such as hives, itching, blistering or skin that becomes dry, red and flaky.
- Allergic-type reactions can also result from intense cold or heat, exposure to sunlight or excessive skin friction.
Step 2. Take an allergy diagnosis test
If you cannot determine on your own which substances you are allergic to, your doctor can prescribe tests to help you find out.
- During the test you will be injected with tiny doses of possible allergens directly under the skin, after which any reactions will be analyzed, for example by observing if the part becomes swollen or red.
- Through blood tests, your doctor will be able to assess whether your body is exhibiting an immune response after contact with particular allergens.
Step 3. Identify food allergens on an elimination diet
You will need to be supervised by a doctor.
- If you believe you have identified a possible food allergen, eliminate it from your diet.
- If you were right, the symptoms should subside.
- Your doctor may suggest that you try reintroducing the food into your diet to see if symptoms reappear. This is an effective way to confirm that this is the cause of your ailments.
- During the whole process, you should keep a food diary. Both you and your doctor will be able to control symptoms more easily and will have the opportunity to identify other potential allergens you are still exposed to.
Part 3 of 4: Treating Seasonal Allergies
Step 1. Try natural remedies
Remember that it is important to ask your doctor for advice before taking any supplements or treatments, even if they are based on natural herbs, especially if you are taking medications or suffer from any medical condition, in order not to risk them aggravating you or causing unwanted interactions. Dosage guidelines for herbal remedies are also often vague, so you may sometimes have a hard time figuring out how much to take them. Remember that even if a cure is "natural" it doesn't necessarily mean it's "safe".
- Take a butterbur supplement. A scientific study has shown that this plant may have anti-inflammatory effects similar to those of antihistamine drugs. Bromelain, a substance extracted from pineapple, can also have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Make fumenti by adding eucalyptus essential oil to the water. Its pungent smell will help you clear your airways. Make sure you don't swallow it and don't apply it to your skin, as it's poisonous.
- Relieve nasal congestion with a saline spray. In addition to reducing inflammation, it is very useful for treating a runny nose (runny nose).
Step 2. Take an oral antihistamine to relieve common symptoms
They are useful in case of a runny nose, itchy eyes, hives, swelling and excessive tearing. Some antihistamine medications can make you sleepy, so you shouldn't drive after taking them. Popular ones include:
- Cetirizine (Zirtec);
- Desloratadine (Aerius);
- Fexofenadine (Telfast);
- Levocetirizine (Xyzal);
- Loratadina (Fristamin, Clarityn);
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Step 3. Try an antihistamine nasal spray
It should ease the symptoms caused by the allergic reaction, such as sneezing, itchy eyes or nose, and a stuffy or runny nose. A prescription is required for the purchase of the following drugs:
- Azelastine (Antiallergic Rinazina, Dymista, Allespray);
- Olopatadine.
Step 4. Use antihistamine eye drops to relieve symptoms such as eye swelling, redness or itching
These drugs should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent them from burning the eyes at the time of use:
- Azelastine (Allergodil);
- Emedastine (Emadine);
- Ketotifene (Brunistill, Ketotfil, Zaditen);
- Olopatadine (Opatanol);
- Pheniramine (Tetramil).
Step 5. Try using mast cell stabilizers as an alternative to antihistamines
If your body cannot tolerate antihistamines, you may be more successful with these drugs, which work upstream by preventing the release of histamine (the substance that causes allergic reactions).
- Mast cell inhibitors are available in the form of nasal sprays.
- Alternatively, you can find them in the form of eye drops for treating allergic conjunctivitis. Either way, ask your doctor or pharmacy for advice.
Step 6. Relieve nasal congestion with an oral decongestant medication
Many are also available without a prescription. Some contain antihistamines.
- Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Reactine);
- Desloratadine and pseudoephedrine (Aerinaze);
- Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine;
- Loratadine and pseudoephedrine.
Step 7. Get immediate relief by using a decongestant medication in the form of a spray or eye drop
However, remember not to use it for more than three days, otherwise the congestion could get worse.
- Oxymetazoline (Actifed Nasale, Vicks Sinex);
- Tetrahydrozoline.
Step 8. Relieve inflammation using a corticosteroid nasal spray
It can help reduce nasal congestion, sneezing frequency and avoid a runny nose.
- Budesonide (Aircort);
- Fluticasone furoate (Avamys);
- Fluticasone propionate (Flixonase);
- Mometasone furoate (Elocon);
- Triamcinolone (Kenacort).
Step 9. If all other remedies don't work, try corticosteroid eye drops
It serves to relieve itching, redness, and excessive tearing. Remember that you will need to be constantly monitored by an ophthalmologist, as these drugs can cause serious side effects, including for example cataracts, glaucoma, eye infections.
- Fluorometolone (Fluaton);
- Loteprednol (Lotemax);
- Prednisolone;
- Rimexolone (Vexol).
Step 10. Treat severe allergies with oral corticosteroids
However, remember that they cannot be taken for an extended period of time, as they can cause very serious side effects, such as cataracts, osteoporosis, muscle breakdown, ulcers, increased blood sugar, growth retardation in children and adolescents and worsening of 'hypertension.
- Prednisolone;
- Prednisone.
Step 11. Try leukotriene inhibitor medications
They act as antagonists towards leukotrienes, substances that the body releases during an allergic reaction. These drugs should be able to reduce inflammation.
Step 12. Try desensitizing therapy
Also called immunotherapy, it is performed in patients who have not benefited from drugs and are unable to avoid exposure to the substances that trigger their allergic reaction.
- A specialist will expose you to the allergen in question to reduce the body's reaction. Each dose will be higher than the previous one and therapy will continue until you have developed sufficient tolerance.
- The allergen is usually given as an injection, but if you have an allergy to grass or ragweed, you may need to take tablets to melt under the tongue.
- This therapy requires the supervision of a specialized doctor and can last for several years.
Part 4 of 4: Limiting Exposure to Allergens
Step 1. Prevent them from accumulating in your home
Many of the substances found in indoor air can cause allergies. They include, for example, dust mites, dead skin cells, animal skin and hair, and pollen that comes from outside.
- Vacuum frequently. Use one with a HEPA filter (from the English "High Efficiency Particulate Air filter"), which guarantees hygienic and efficient air filtration, to reduce the amount of allergens.
- Reduce the number of carpets in your home. Unlike ordinary floors, rugs retain allergens, hair and skin cells, making it difficult to maintain a healthy environment in the home.
- Wash your bedding regularly. Remember, you spend about a third of the day wrapped in the sheets. If there are allergens on pillowcases, blankets and linens, this means that you breathe them for about 8 hours a day. Use a plastic mattress cover to prevent allergens from lurking in the fibers.
- Wash your hair before bed to rinse away any pollen that may be trapped.
- If you are allergic to a particular type of pollen, try to get out as little as possible during the time of year when its concentration in the air is highest, and keep the windows closed to prevent it from entering the house.
Step 2. Prevent mold growth
This will reduce the amount of spores in the air.
- Use fans or dehumidifiers to dry and circulate the air in humid rooms, such as the bathroom.
- Adjust any losses. You should repair both minor leaks, such as a dripping faucet, and major leaks, such as a crack in the roof that lets in rain and wets the walls.
- If mold is already present, get rid of it using a solution prepared with water and bleach.
Step 3. Don't eat the foods you are allergic to
If your allergy is to common ingredients, such as eggs or wheat, you will always need to carefully read food labels.
- If you are allergic to several ingredients, prepare and print a list to give to the waiter when you go to the restaurant. This way the cook will know exactly what not to put on your plates.
- If necessary, bring your own meal. You can be sure that you are not putting your health at risk.
Step 4. Contact a professional if you need to get rid of a beehive that is near or inside your home
If you have a severe allergy to bee or wasp stings, temporarily move away from home until it has been removed.
You may need to intervene again after a few years
Warnings
- Avoid alcoholic beverages when taking medications.
- Consult the package leaflet and ask your doctor for advice on whether you can drive while taking medication.
- Ask your doctor for advice before giving any medicine to a child or before taking it if you are pregnant.
- If you are already taking any other medications, ask your doctor if they might interact with the anti-allergic ones. Supplements and natural products can also cause unwanted interactions.
