Allergic Reaction: An allergic reaction is an overreaction to a harmless substance. Symptoms and signs of an allergic reaction include hives, rashes, swelling, itching, wheezing, nausea, and even anaphylactic shock in severe reactions. Treatment involves avoiding triggers, taking oral antihistamines, applying anti-inflammatory steroid creams, and using an EpiPen.

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Doctor's Notes on Allergic Reaction Symptoms

Must Read Articles:

Understanding Allergy and Hay Fever Medications

There are many types of medications available to combat the symptoms of allergies and hay fever. The types of medications include antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec), decongestants (Sudafed), anticholinergic nasal sprays (Atrovent), corticosteroid nasal sprays (Flonase, Nasonex), antiallergy eyedrops (Patanol), leukotriene inhibitors (Singulair), and mast cell inhibitors (Nasalcrom).
Allergy Shots

Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, is recommended for severe allergy sufferers. Typically, immunotherapy consists of a three- to five-year course of allergy shots. The goal is reducing the allergy sufferers' reactions to allergens and to reduce or eliminate the need for other allergy medications.
Allergy: Insect Sting

Several insects belonging to the class Hymenoptera are capable of injecting venom into humans and animals. These insects include: honeybees, bumble bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants. Allergic reaction to these insects' venom can com in many forms; from redness, itching, and pain to anaphylactic shock and even death in those severely affected. Treatment includes caring for the symptoms as well as administering epinephrine and/or antihistamines.
Asthma

Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs (bronchioles). Asthma may be caused by genes and environmental factors. Asthma causes wheezing, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. Treatment includes avoidance of triggers and medications to control and prevent symptoms.
Asthma in Pregnancy

Experiencing an asthma attack during pregnancy may deprive the fetus of oxygen, so it's important to continue taking the asthma medication that you took before becoming pregnant, especially if your asthma was well controlled. Though it's impossible to predict how pregnancy may affect your asthma, it's important to note that your asthma can still be controlled during pregnancy.
Asthma FAQs

Asthma is a disease marked by inflammation of the airways that cause difficulty breathing. Ther are millions who suffer from this chronic disease, and this article covers some of their frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Understanding Asthma Medications

Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs (bronchi and bronchioles). Asthma is caused by chronic (ongoing, long-term) inflammation of these passages. Asthma medications include corticosteroid inhalers, oral and intravenous corticosteroids, leukotriene inhibitors, beta-agonists, anticholinergic inhalers, methylxanthines, mast cell inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies.
Bee and Wasp Stings

Bees and Wasps are venomous, meaning they have poison stings that may cause pain, swelling, and allergic reactions. If a person with no allergic symptoms receives a sting, a home remedy may be all that that is necessary for relief. A group of many stings or allergic reaction to a sting may require emergency medical treatment.
Contact Dermatitis

Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. Contact dermatitis is a localized rash or irritation of the skin caused by contact with a foreign substance.
Drug Allergy

Drug allergies may result in rashes and other symptoms. Several classes of medications may be associated with drug allergy. Treatment may include antihistamines and other medications. Rarely, blood tests and other tests are used to diagnose drug allergies. Avoidance is the primary strategy to avoid drug allergy.
Eczema

Eczema is a term frequently used to describe any sort of dermatitis. Causes include genetic inheritance. Common triggers of atopic dermatitis include soaps, detergents, solvents, lotions, sweating, staph bacteria, use of plastic or rubber gloves, or rough wool clothing. Treatment for eczema can be avoidance of irritants, OTC anti-inflammatory creams, prescription steroid and anti-inflammatory creams, and in some cases, antibiotics.
Eye Allergies

Common allergens include trees, mold, dust mites, grasses, pets, and weeds. Symptoms and signs of eye allergies include swelling around the eyes, eye redness, tearing, and mucous production. Treatment of eye allergies may involve eyedrops antihistamines and/or nasal steroids.
Food Allergy

For someone with a food allergy, eating or swallowing even a tiny amount of a particular food can cause symptoms such as skin rash, nausea, vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea. The best way to prevent a food allergy is to avoid the foods one is allergic to.
Hay Fever

Most likely you or someone you know has allergies, often referred to as hay fever (allergic rhinitis). The telltale signs include itchy, puffy, watery eyes and red, stuffy nose. Spring and fall are main hay fever seasons, but individuals can experience hay fever symptoms all year long.
Hives and Angioedema

Hives are a sudden allergic skin reaction. Hives are raised reddish bumps that cause severe itching. Angioedema is similar to hives but the welts are larger and involve a deeper layer in the skin. Allergies, insect stings and bites, stress, exercise, and infections are common causes of hives and angioedema. In mild cases, no treatment is needed. Severe reactions should be treated by a health care professional.
Indoor Allergens

Common indoor allergens include pet dander, molds, plant pollens and other substances. These last year-round and aggravate the immune systems of people with hay fever, asthma, and other allergies. Antihistamines can relieve symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and headaches. Remove carpet, clean upholstered furniture, and clean regularly to help remove allergens from the home.
Insect Bites

Insect stings and bites are common. Common symptoms include: pain, swelling, redness, and itching. Treatment of insect stings and bites depends on the type of insect. Some may require home remedies such as anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics, and in some cases, surgery.
Allergy: Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can causes an allergic reaction when someone comes in contact with the plant's oils. This compound in all three plant species is called urushiol. The resulting rash appears one to three days after contact and may crust or ooze. Home remedies for the rash include applying cool compresses and calamine lotion, soaking in an Aveeno bath, and taking oral antihistamines.
Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylactic Shock)

The severe reaction of anaphylaxis is an immune allergic response that is life-threatening. The symptoms are breathing problems, shock, or death. Reactions may result from an insect sting or certain foods to which the body has been "sensitized" and has developed a powerful antigen for. Anaphylaxis occurs when the imune system overreacts to the antigen.
Skin Rashes in Children

Skin rashes in children may be categorized as bacterial, viral, life-threatening, fungal, and parasitic rashes. Oftentimes, the associated symptoms help establish the diagnosis. Treatment depends upon the type of rash and the severity of the signs and symptoms.
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Skin Rashes in Children Skin rashes in children may be categorized as bacterial, viral, life-threatening, fungal, and parasitic rashes. Oftentimes, the associated symptoms help establish the diagnosis. Treatment depends upon the type of rash and the severity of the signs and symptoms.

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Allergic Reaction Topic Guide - Visuals

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Allergies Quiz
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Allergies Slideshow
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Allergy Triggers Slides
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Allergy-Proof Your Home
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Before You Tattoo Slideshow
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Bugs & Bites Slideshow
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Common Child Skin Rashes
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Eczema Slideshow
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Food Allergies Slides
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Home Health Slideshow
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Human Body Quiz
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Kids' Skin Problems
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Life-Threatening Allergies
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Nasal Allergy Relief
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Nasal Allergy Slideshow
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Nasal Irrigation Slides
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Pets & Allergies
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Seasonal Allergies
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Sinusitis Slideshow
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Ways to Reduce Mold Allergies
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Worst Allergy Cities

Allergic Reaction Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins

Medications:

Epinastine Ophthalmic

Epinastine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, wate...learn more »

Desloratadine

Desloratadine is an antihistamine that is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, itching, and runny nose.

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Flunisolide Nasal

Flunisolide is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation...learn more »

Fexofenadine And Pseudoephedrine

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, wa...learn more »

Triamcinolone (nasal)

Triamcinolone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation...learn more »

Fexofenadine

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever) in adults and children...learn more »

Cetirizine

Cetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, wate...learn more »

Hydroxyzine

Hydroxyzine reduces activity in the central nervous system. It also acts as an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the b...learn more »

Cyproheptadine

Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, ...learn more »

Promethazine (injection)

Promethazine is in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeens). It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain.

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Promethazine (rectal)

Promethazine is in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeens). It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain. Promethazine...learn more »

Promethazine (oral)

Promethazine is in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeens). It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain. Promethazine...learn more »

Cromolyn Sodium (ophthalmic)

Cromolyn sodium works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation...learn more »

Epinephrine Injection

Epinephrine is a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. These effects can reverse severe low blood pressure, wheezing, severe s...learn more »

Prednisone

Prednisone is a steroid that reduces inflammation in the body, and also suppresses your immune system...learn more »

Diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching,...learn more »

Cromolyn Sodium (oral)

Cromolyn sodium works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation...learn more »

Cromolyn Sodium (inhalation)

Cromolyn sodium works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation...learn more »

Allergic Reaction Topic Guide

Must Read Articles:

Understanding Allergy and Hay Fever Medications

Allergy Shots

Allergy: Insect Sting

Asthma

Asthma in Pregnancy

Asthma FAQs

Understanding Asthma Medications

Bee and Wasp Stings

Contact Dermatitis

Drug Allergy

Eczema

Eye Allergies

Food Allergy

Hay Fever

Hives and Angioedema

Indoor Allergens

Insect Bites

Allergy: Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylactic Shock)

Skin Rashes in Children

Take the Asthma Quiz

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Expert Views and News

Allergic Reaction Topic Guide - Visuals

Slideshows, Pictures, Images, and Quizzes:

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Quiz

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Allergic Reaction Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins

Medications:

Allergic Reaction Topic Guide – Related Topics

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