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Acute allergic reactions release histamines causing symptoms such as sneezing, rash, and difficulty breathing. Anaphylaxis can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention. Antihistamines can help control reactions, but avoidance is the best prevention for severe allergies.
An acute allergic reaction occurs when the body reacts to a certain substance by releasing histamines. Signs of an acute allergic reaction include sneezing, a runny nose, a rash, swollen skin, hives, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms often begin within minutes of exposure. An acute allergy attack can occur when you are exposed to common allergens such as pet dander, shellfish, peanuts, wheat and dairy products. A sudden and severe allergic reaction can be fatal for the person having the attack.
Some people are genetically predisposed to having acute allergy attacks. Early exposure to certain allergy-causing substances can cause someone to develop severe and lifelong allergies to it. The genetic component is clear, however, as allergies tend to run in families. The body thinks a harmless substance is a danger, so it produces reactions to repel and destroy the offender. If left untreated, an acute allergic reaction can lead to death.
Some very serious allergic reactions require medical attention. Hives and itchy eyes are not life threatening, but if the airways narrow, anaphylaxis can occur. This very serious symptom causes a person to pass out and stop breathing. An auto-injector needle filled with epinephrine can sometimes prevent anaphylaxis from occurring, but is less effective if given after a person has lost consciousness. Adrenaline relaxes the throat and airways to allow breathing to resume.
Sometimes, an allergic reaction can be controlled through the use of antihistamines. Loratadine, cetirizine, and diphenhydramine are over-the-counter drugs that block the body’s production of histamine and stop the body’s overreaction. Antihistamines are produced in the form of pills and liquid suspensions. Some antihistamines can last up to 24 hours and not cause drowsiness. Allergy sufferers usually carry antihistamine pills with them at all times.
If someone is having an acute allergic reaction with an airway obstruction, then they need immediate medical attention. Paramedics or doctors have the tools needed to stop the progression of anaphylaxis. Epinephrine pills or needles generally don’t help at this point, and over-the-counter medications aren’t strong enough to combat this type of reaction.
People with severe allergies to certain substances should stay away, as the best way to prevent a reaction is to avoid the allergen completely. Antihistamines taken before exposure to the allergen may help reduce the risk of anaphylaxis, but there is no certainty with these drugs. The only sure way to prevent reactions is to stay away from the allergy-causing substance.
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