What Is Immediate Allergy? Defining Immediate Allergy

What are the symptoms of an immediate allergy?

Symptoms of an immediate allergy can include hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. Hives are raised, itchy red bumps on the skin that can appear anywhere on the body. Itching can occur on the skin or in the mouth, throat, or eyes. Swelling can occur in different parts of the body, including the face, lips, tongue, and throat. Difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe, and may include shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.

What are common triggers for immediate allergies?

Common triggers for immediate allergies include pollen, food, medication, and insect stings. Pollen is a common trigger for allergic rhinitis (hay fever), which causes symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. Food allergies can be triggered by various types of food, such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, and seafood. Medication allergies can be triggered by various types of medications, such as antibiotics and painkillers. Insect stings can trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

How is an immediate allergy diagnosed?

An immediate allergy can be diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination, a review of symptoms and medical history, and allergy testing. During a physical examination, the healthcare provider will look for signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives or swelling. They will also ask about the person's symptoms and medical history, including any allergies or previous allergic reactions. Allergy testing may be conducted to confirm the presence of an allergy and to identify the specific allergens that trigger an allergic reaction.

What are the treatment options for an immediate allergy?

Treatment options for an immediate allergy depend on the severity of the reaction. Mild reactions can often be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines. Severe reactions may require emergency medical treatment, such as epinephrine (EpiPen) to reverse anaphylaxis, or a trip to the emergency department. In addition to treatment for an allergic reaction, it is important for people with allergies to avoid exposure to the allergens that trigger their reactions.

How is an immediate allergy diagnosed and treated?

An immediate allergy can be diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination, a review of symptoms and medical history, and allergy testing. During a physical examination, the healthcare provider will look for signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives or swelling. They will also ask about the person's symptoms and medical history, including any allergies or previous allergic reactions. Allergy testing may be conducted to confirm the presence of an allergy and to identify the specific allergens that trigger an allergic reaction. Treatment options for an immediate allergy depend on the severity of the reaction. Mild reactions can often be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin). Severe reactions may require emergency medical treatment, such as epinephrine (EpiPen) to reverse anaphylaxis, or a trip to the emergency department. In addition to treatment for an allergic reaction, it is important for people with allergies to avoid exposure to the allergens that trigger their reactions.