Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylactic Shock) Topic Guide

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.

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.

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

Several insects belonging to the class Hymenoptera are capable of injecting venom into humans and animals. These insects include honeybees, bumblebees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants. An allergic reaction to these insects' venom can come 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.