What symptoms occur in an allergic reaction?
June 29, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Erwin Ullmann
Dear doctor,
My name is Franceska Raab and I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing increased allergic reactions lately and I am very worried. I have noticed that after consuming certain foods or coming into contact with certain substances, I often develop symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and nausea.
The symptoms often occur immediately after contact with the allergen and significantly affect my daily life. I have also conducted various self-tests to determine which allergens I may be reacting to, but the results were inconclusive.
Since I am not sure if it is indeed an allergic reaction or if there could be other causes for my symptoms, I would like to know from you what symptoms typically occur during an allergic reaction. Are there specific signs I should look out for to distinguish an allergic reaction from other health issues?
Furthermore, I would like to know what possible solutions there are for my situation. Are there medications that could help alleviate the symptoms? Should I undergo an allergy test to find out which allergens I react to? And what measures can I take to prevent allergic reactions?
I thank you in advance for your help and expertise.
Sincerely,
Franceska Raab
Dear Mrs. Raab,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise in the field of allergology. I am sorry to hear that you have been experiencing an increase in allergic reactions lately and are therefore very concerned. Allergic reactions can indeed be very burdensome and significantly impact daily life.
Typically, symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and nausea. These symptoms can occur immediately after contact with the allergen and develop within a short period of time. It is important to note that allergic reactions can vary greatly from person to person, and not everyone will exhibit the same symptoms. It is also possible for allergic reactions to change over time and new symptoms to emerge.
It is understandable that you are unsure whether it is actually an allergic reaction or if other causes may be contributing to your symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable to see an allergist to receive an accurate diagnosis. An allergist can conduct various tests to determine which allergens you may be reacting to, including skin tests, blood tests, and provocation tests.
Depending on the diagnosis and severity of the allergic reactions, there are various treatment options available. Medications such as antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms and keep allergic reactions under control. In some cases, immunotherapy (desensitization) may be considered to modulate the immune system long-term and reduce reactions to allergens.
It is also important to take preventive measures to prevent allergic reactions. This includes avoiding known allergens, carrying a medical emergency card for severe allergies, and avoiding potentially dangerous situations.
I strongly recommend that you see an allergist for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss appropriate treatment. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me again if you have any further questions or concerns.
Best regards,
Erwin Ullmann
