10 Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures Pets and Allergies Slideshow Pictures Home Allergy Quiz Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

When to Seek Medical Care

Because allergic reactions can progress and worsen in minutes causing complications, medical attention is always recommended for all but the most minor and localized symptoms.

If the symptoms of your reaction worsen over a few days, or if they do not improve with recommended treatment and removal of the allergen, call your health-care provider.

Tell your health-care provider if you have any allergic symptoms after using a drug or other treatment prescribed for you (see Drug Allergy).

Allergic reactions can be dangerous. Sudden, severe, widespread reactions require emergency evaluation by a medical professional. Call an ambulance if you or someone around you has any of the following with an allergic reaction:

• sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening symptoms



• exposure to an allergen that previously caused severe or bad reactions



• swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat



• wheezing, chest tightness, loud breathing, trouble breathing, or hoarseness of voice



• confusion, sweating, nausea, or vomiting



• widespread rash or severe hives



• lightheadedness, collapse, or unconsciousness