BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuAllergic reactionsAnaphylaxis; Anaphylaxis - first aidAllergic reactions are sensitivities to substances called allergens that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. They can be breathed into the lungs, swallowed, or injected.AllergensAn allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. In some people, the immune system recognizes allergens as foreign or dangerous. As ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Considerations Allergic reactions are common. The immune response that causes an allergic reaction is similar to the response that causes hay fever. Most reactions happen soon after contact with an allergen.Many allergic reactions are mild, while others can be severe and life threatening. They can be confined to a small area of the body, or they may affect the entire body. The most severe form is called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. Allergic reactions occur more often in people who have a family history of allergies.AnaphylaxisAnaphylaxis is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AllergiesAn allergy is an immune response or reaction to substances that are usually not harmful.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Substances that don't bother most people (such as venom from bee stings and certain foods, medicines, and pollens) can trigger allergic reactions in certain people.Bee stingsInsect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets are most often pai...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article First-time exposure may produce only a mild reaction. Repeated exposures may lead to more serious reactions. Once a person has had an exposure or an allergic reaction (and thus is sensitized to an allergen), even a very limited exposure to a very small amount of allergen can trigger a severe reaction.Most severe allergic reactions occur within seconds or minutes after exposure to the allergen. Some reactions can occur after several hours. In very rare cases, reactions develop after 24 hours.Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that occurs within minutes or hours of exposure. Immediate medical attention is needed for this condition. Without treatment, anaphylaxis can get worse very quickly and lead to death within 15 minutes. Causes Common allergens include:Animal dander Bee stings or stings from other insects such as fire ants Foods, especially milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish Medicines Pollens Symptoms Common symptoms of a mild allergic reaction include: A few hives (especially over the neck and face) HivesHives are raised, usually itchy, red bumps (welts) on the surface of the skin. They can be an allergic reaction to food or medicine. They can also ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Itching ItchingItching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the area. Itching may occur all over the body or only in one location...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nasal congestion Rashes RashesRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Watery, red eyesSymptoms of a moderate or severe reaction include:Abdominal pain Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds Anxiety Chest discomfort or tightness Cough Diarrhea Difficulty breathing, wheezing Difficulty swallowing Dizziness or lightheadedness Flushing or redness of the face Hives all over Nausea or vomiting Palpitations PalpitationsPalpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue Unconsciousness First Aid For a mild to moderate reaction:Calm and reassure the person having the reaction. Anxiety can make symptoms worse.Try to identify the allergen and have the person avoid further contact with it.If the person develops an itchy rash, apply cool compresses and an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. Watch the person for signs of increasing distress. Get medical help. For a mild reaction, a health care provider may recommend over-the-counter medicines, such as antihistamines.For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis):Check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABC's of Basic Life Support). A warning sign of dangerous throat swelling is a very hoarse or whispered voice, or coarse sounds when the person is breathing in air. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.CPRCPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency life-saving procedure that is done when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stoppe...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Call 911 or the local emergency number. Calm and reassure the person. If the allergic reaction is from a bee sting, scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as a fingernail or plastic credit card). Do not use tweezers -- squeezing the stinger will release more venom. If the person has injectable emergency allergy medicine (Epinephrine), administer it at the beginning of a reaction. Do not wait to see if the reaction gets worse. Avoid oral medicine if the person is having difficulty breathing. Take steps to prevent shock. Have the person lie flat, raise the person's feet about 12 inches (30 centimeters), and cover them with a coat or blanket. Do not place the person in this position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected or if it causes discomfort. ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Do Not If a person is having an allergic reaction:Do not assume that any allergy shots the person has already received will provide complete protection. Do not place a pillow under the person's head if he or she is having trouble breathing. This can block the airways. Do not give the person anything by mouth if the person is having trouble breathing. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact for medical assistance (911 or the local emergency number) right away if:The person is having a severe allergic reaction. Do not wait to see if the reaction is getting worse. The person has a history of severe allergic reactions (check for a medical ID tag). Prevention To prevent allergic reactions:Avoid triggers such as foods and medicines that have caused an allergic reaction in the past. Ask detailed questions about ingredients when you are eating away from home. Carefully check ingredient labels. If you have a child who is allergic to certain foods, introduce one new food at a time in small amounts so you can recognize an allergic reaction. People who have had serious allergic reactions should wear a medical ID tag and carry emergency such as a two-pack of injectable epinephrine, according to their provider's instructions. There is no contraindication to using epinephrine in a severe allergic reaction.Open ReferencesReferencesBarksdale AN, Ross W. Allergy, anaphylaxis, and angioedema. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 106.Custovic A, Tovey E. Allergen control for prevention and management of allergic diseases. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 84.Higgins T. Allergic reaction. In: Higgins T, ed. Medicine for the Outdoors. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:78-79.Shaker MS, Wallace DV, Golden DBK, et al. Anaphylaxis-a 2020 practice parameter update, systematic review, and grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) analysis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020;145(4):1082-1123. PMID: 32001253 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32001253/.AllVideoImagesTogAllergic reactions - illustration Allergic reaction can be provoked by skin contact with poison plants, chemicals and animal scratches, as well as by insect stings. Ingesting or inhaling substances like pollen, animal dander, molds and mildew, dust, nuts and shellfish, may also cause allergic reaction. Medications such as penicillin and other antibiotics are also to be taken with care, to assure an allergic reflex is not triggered.Allergic reactionsillustrationDermatographism - close-up - illustration Dermatographism is a condition where lightly scratching the skin raises wheals or welts. Histamine is released, which causes the small blood vessels (capillaries) to dilate, producing redness and localized swelling.Dermatographism - close-upillustrationDermatographism on the arm - illustration Dermatographism is a condition where lightly scratching the skin raises wheals or welts. Histamine is released at the site, causing the small blood vessels (capillaries) to dilate, producing redness and localized swelling.Dermatographism on the armillustrationHives (urticaria) on the arm - illustration Hives (urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts, seen here on the arm. The majority of urticaria develop as a result of allergic reactions. Occasionally, they may be associated with autoimmune diseases, infections (parasitosis), drugs, malignancy, or other causes.Hives (urticaria) on the armillustrationHives (urticaria) on the chest - illustration Hives (urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts, seen here on the chest. The majority of urticaria develop as a result of allergic reactions. Occasionally they may be associated with autoimmune diseases, infections (parasitosis), drugs, malignancy, or other causes.Hives (urticaria) on the chestillustrationHives (urticaria) - close-up - illustration Hives (urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts. The majority of urticaria develop as a result of allergic reactions. Occasionally, they may be associated with autoimmune diseases, infections (parasitosis), drugs, malignancy, or other causes.Hives (urticaria) - close-upillustrationHives (urticaria) on the trunk - illustration This person has raised, red, itchy welts (urticaria) on the chest and abdomen. The majority of urticaria develop as a result of allergic reactions. Occasionally, they may be associated with autoimmune diseases, infections (parasitosis), drugs, malignancy, or other causes.Hives (urticaria) on the trunkillustrationDermatographism on the back - illustration In dermatographism, hives are readily produced if the skin is lightly scratched.Dermatographism on the backillustrationDermatographism - arm - illustration Wheal formation at the site of light scratching of the skin.Dermatographism - armillustrationAllergic reactions - illustration Allergic reaction is a sensitivity to a specific substance, called an allergen, that is contacted through the skin, inhaled into the lungs, swallowed or injected. The body's reaction to an allergen can be mild, such as a localized rash, or life-threatening, such as anaphylactic shock.Allergic reactionsillustrationAllergic reactions - illustration Allergic reaction can be provoked by skin contact with poison plants, chemicals and animal scratches, as well as by insect stings. Ingesting or inhaling substances like pollen, animal dander, molds and mildew, dust, nuts and shellfish, may also cause allergic reaction. Medications such as penicillin and other antibiotics are also to be taken with care, to assure an allergic reflex is not triggered.Allergic reactionsillustrationDermatographism - close-up - illustration Dermatographism is a condition where lightly scratching the skin raises wheals or welts. Histamine is released, which causes the small blood vessels (capillaries) to dilate, producing redness and localized swelling.Dermatographism - close-upillustrationDermatographism on the arm - illustration Dermatographism is a condition where lightly scratching the skin raises wheals or welts. Histamine is released at the site, causing the small blood vessels (capillaries) to dilate, producing redness and localized swelling.Dermatographism on the armillustrationHives (urticaria) on the arm - illustration Hives (urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts, seen here on the arm. The majority of urticaria develop as a result of allergic reactions. Occasionally, they may be associated with autoimmune diseases, infections (parasitosis), drugs, malignancy, or other causes.Hives (urticaria) on the armillustrationHives (urticaria) on the chest - illustration Hives (urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts, seen here on the chest. The majority of urticaria develop as a result of allergic reactions. Occasionally they may be associated with autoimmune diseases, infections (parasitosis), drugs, malignancy, or other causes.Hives (urticaria) on the chestillustrationHives (urticaria) - close-up - illustration Hives (urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts. The majority of urticaria develop as a result of allergic reactions. Occasionally, they may be associated with autoimmune diseases, infections (parasitosis), drugs, malignancy, or other causes.Hives (urticaria) - close-upillustrationHives (urticaria) on the trunk - illustration This person has raised, red, itchy welts (urticaria) on the chest and abdomen. The majority of urticaria develop as a result of allergic reactions. Occasionally, they may be associated with autoimmune diseases, infections (parasitosis), drugs, malignancy, or other causes.Hives (urticaria) on the trunkillustrationDermatographism on the back - illustration In dermatographism, hives are readily produced if the skin is lightly scratched.Dermatographism on the backillustrationDermatographism - arm - illustration Wheal formation at the site of light scratching of the skin.Dermatographism - armillustrationAllergic reactions - illustration Allergic reaction is a sensitivity to a specific substance, called an allergen, that is contacted through the skin, inhaled into the lungs, swallowed or injected. The body's reaction to an allergen can be mild, such as a localized rash, or life-threatening, such as anaphylactic shock.Allergic reactionsillustrationSelf Care Latex allergies - for hospital patients Tests for Allergic reactions Allergy testing - skinRelated Information Allergen(Special Topic)Allergies(Condition)Insect bites and stings(Injury)Anaphylaxis(Condition)Allergic rhinitis - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 3/31/2024 Reviewed By: Deborah Pedersen, MD, MS, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Allergic reactionsAnaphylaxis; Anaphylaxis - first aidAllergic reactions are sensitivities to substances called allergens that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. They can be breathed into the lungs, swallowed, or injected.AllergensAn allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. In some people, the immune system recognizes allergens as foreign or dangerous. As ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Considerations Allergic reactions are common. The immune response that causes an allergic reaction is similar to the response that causes hay fever. Most reactions happen soon after contact with an allergen.Many allergic reactions are mild, while others can be severe and life threatening. They can be confined to a small area of the body, or they may affect the entire body. The most severe form is called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. Allergic reactions occur more often in people who have a family history of allergies.AnaphylaxisAnaphylaxis is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AllergiesAn allergy is an immune response or reaction to substances that are usually not harmful.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Substances that don't bother most people (such as venom from bee stings and certain foods, medicines, and pollens) can trigger allergic reactions in certain people.Bee stingsInsect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets are most often pai...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article First-time exposure may produce only a mild reaction. Repeated exposures may lead to more serious reactions. Once a person has had an exposure or an allergic reaction (and thus is sensitized to an allergen), even a very limited exposure to a very small amount of allergen can trigger a severe reaction.Most severe allergic reactions occur within seconds or minutes after exposure to the allergen. Some reactions can occur after several hours. In very rare cases, reactions develop after 24 hours.Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that occurs within minutes or hours of exposure. Immediate medical attention is needed for this condition. Without treatment, anaphylaxis can get worse very quickly and lead to death within 15 minutes. Causes Common allergens include:Animal dander Bee stings or stings from other insects such as fire ants Foods, especially milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish Medicines Pollens Symptoms Common symptoms of a mild allergic reaction include: A few hives (especially over the neck and face) HivesHives are raised, usually itchy, red bumps (welts) on the surface of the skin. They can be an allergic reaction to food or medicine. They can also ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Itching ItchingItching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the area. Itching may occur all over the body or only in one location...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nasal congestion Rashes RashesRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Watery, red eyesSymptoms of a moderate or severe reaction include:Abdominal pain Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds Anxiety Chest discomfort or tightness Cough Diarrhea Difficulty breathing, wheezing Difficulty swallowing Dizziness or lightheadedness Flushing or redness of the face Hives all over Nausea or vomiting Palpitations PalpitationsPalpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue Unconsciousness First Aid For a mild to moderate reaction:Calm and reassure the person having the reaction. Anxiety can make symptoms worse.Try to identify the allergen and have the person avoid further contact with it.If the person develops an itchy rash, apply cool compresses and an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. Watch the person for signs of increasing distress. Get medical help. For a mild reaction, a health care provider may recommend over-the-counter medicines, such as antihistamines.For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis):Check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABC's of Basic Life Support). A warning sign of dangerous throat swelling is a very hoarse or whispered voice, or coarse sounds when the person is breathing in air. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.CPRCPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency life-saving procedure that is done when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stoppe...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Call 911 or the local emergency number. Calm and reassure the person. If the allergic reaction is from a bee sting, scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as a fingernail or plastic credit card). Do not use tweezers -- squeezing the stinger will release more venom. If the person has injectable emergency allergy medicine (Epinephrine), administer it at the beginning of a reaction. Do not wait to see if the reaction gets worse. Avoid oral medicine if the person is having difficulty breathing. Take steps to prevent shock. Have the person lie flat, raise the person's feet about 12 inches (30 centimeters), and cover them with a coat or blanket. Do not place the person in this position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected or if it causes discomfort. ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Do Not If a person is having an allergic reaction:Do not assume that any allergy shots the person has already received will provide complete protection. Do not place a pillow under the person's head if he or she is having trouble breathing. This can block the airways. Do not give the person anything by mouth if the person is having trouble breathing. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact for medical assistance (911 or the local emergency number) right away if:The person is having a severe allergic reaction. Do not wait to see if the reaction is getting worse. The person has a history of severe allergic reactions (check for a medical ID tag). Prevention To prevent allergic reactions:Avoid triggers such as foods and medicines that have caused an allergic reaction in the past. Ask detailed questions about ingredients when you are eating away from home. Carefully check ingredient labels. If you have a child who is allergic to certain foods, introduce one new food at a time in small amounts so you can recognize an allergic reaction. People who have had serious allergic reactions should wear a medical ID tag and carry emergency such as a two-pack of injectable epinephrine, according to their provider's instructions. There is no contraindication to using epinephrine in a severe allergic reaction.Open ReferencesReferencesBarksdale AN, Ross W. Allergy, anaphylaxis, and angioedema. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 106.Custovic A, Tovey E. Allergen control for prevention and management of allergic diseases. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 84.Higgins T. Allergic reaction. In: Higgins T, ed. Medicine for the Outdoors. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:78-79.Shaker MS, Wallace DV, Golden DBK, et al. Anaphylaxis-a 2020 practice parameter update, systematic review, and grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) analysis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020;145(4):1082-1123. PMID: 32001253 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32001253/.
