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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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. -
Take the Asthma Quiz
Do you know your facts about asthma? Take the quiz and see.
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Allergic Reaction Topic Guide - Visuals
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Allergic Reaction Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
Epinastine OphthalmicEpinastine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, wate...learn more »
DesloratadineDesloratadine 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 NasalFlunisolide is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation...learn more »
Fexofenadine And PseudoephedrineFexofenadine 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 »
FexofenadineFexofenadine is an antihistamine that is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever) in adults and children...learn more »
CetirizineCetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, wate...learn more »
HydroxyzineHydroxyzine 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 »
CyproheptadineCyproheptadine 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 InjectionEpinephrine 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 »
PrednisonePrednisone is a steroid that reduces inflammation in the body, and also suppresses your immune system...learn more »
DiphenhydramineDiphenhydramine 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 – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis)
Blepharitis is swelling and/or irritation of the eyelid, resulting from a bacterial infection, inflammation, or allergies. It is the most common eye disease....
learn more »
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed to individuals to cure disease by killing bacteria. There are over 100 antibiotics. The main classes of antibiotics include penicil...learn more »
Life-Threatening Skin Rashes
Rashes are very common conditions and can have many causes. Most rashes are not dangerous but rather are merely nuisance illnesses. Life-threatening skin rashes...learn more »
Family Medical Records
In the event of a medical emergency, it's important for doctors to have access to family medical records. These records should contain information about illness...learn more »
Occupational Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways caused by external triggers. learn more »
