Most people who suffer from allergies have mild to moderate symptoms. However, some people experience severe allergy symptoms that can significantly impact their lives and even lead to hospitalization or death if not treated promptly.
Severe Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of severe allergies differ from typical allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, watery eyes and a scratchy throat. Instead, they can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling in the throat or lungs
- Severe rash
- Anaphylaxis
What is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that causes airway obstruction. This makes it difficult to breathe and can cause your body to go into shock. It can be fatal if not treated immediately. It’s estimated that up to 5% of the population of the United States has had anaphylaxis at some point.
Anaphylaxis is often treated with an epinephrine injector. People who are at risk for anaphylaxis should carry around an injector with them at all times in case of exposure. You should always make sure to seek medical care if you experience anaphylaxis to see if you need any additional treatment after epinephrine use.
Causes of Severe Allergies
Allergens that produce mild to moderate reactions in some people have the ability to produce severe reactions in others. Some of the more common severe allergy triggers include:
- Foods like nuts, shellfish, wheat and soy
- Insect bites and stings
- Certain medications
- Latex
What to Do
If you are concerned by the severity of your allergy symptoms, make an appointment with an allergist right away. They can use allergy testing to confirm your triggers and prescribe any necessary treatment.
Additionally, you can make several lifestyle adjustments to keep you safer, including:
- Tracking your allergies with an app or a diary.
- Avoiding known allergens. If you have a food allergy, be mindful of what you order when you go out to eat or shop at Carver Neighborhood Market. Double-check the ingredient list with your server and ensure they know your condition.
- Wearing an alert bracelet.
Severe allergies can be a challenging and frightening experience. However, with the right care team and treatment options, you can come up with a plan that helps you manage your allergies and live a healthy life.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call ENT of Georgia North today.
