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May 24, 2013
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Allergic Reaction (cont.)

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Allergic Reaction Diagnosis

For typical allergic reactions, your health-care provider will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms and their timing. Blood tests and X-rays are not needed except under unusual circumstances.

In case of severe reactions, you will be evaluated quickly in the emergency department in order to make a diagnosis. The first step for the health-care provider is to judge the severity of the allergic reaction.

  • Blood pressure and pulse are checked.


  • An examination determines whether you need help breathing.


  • Often, an IV line is placed in case you need anti-allergy (antihistamine) medications quickly.


  • If you can speak, you will be asked about allergy triggers and previous reactions.

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Allergic Reaction - Treatment

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Allergic Reaction - Symptoms

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What were the symptoms and signs of your allergic reaction?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Hypersensitivity Reactions, Immediate »

The immune system is an integral part of human protection against disease, but the normally protective immune mechanisms can sometimes cause detrimental reactions in the host.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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