Suddenly sneezing non-stop after dusting, getting a rash after a new food, or swelling after a medicine: allergic reactions can range from mildly irritating to life-threatening. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes makes a big difference. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains how to respond.

Mild to Moderate Reaction

Signs: sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, mild cough, itching, or a few hives on the skin.

What to do:

1. Move away from the trigger. Leave the dusty room, stop eating the food, keep away from the pet or the chemical.
2. Wash it off. Rinse your face, eyes and hands with clean water. If the allergen touched your skin, wash the area, and change clothes if needed.
3. Use your prescribed medicine. Take the anti-allergy tablet, nasal spray or eye drops your doctor has prescribed. If you have asthma and feel wheezy, use your reliever inhaler.
4. Soothe the skin. A cool compress can relieve itching. Avoid scratching.
5. Watch closely for the next few hours, to make sure symptoms are improving, not getting worse.

Severe Reaction (Anaphylaxis): A Medical Emergency

Signs: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; wheezing or tight chest; hoarse voice; dizziness or fainting; widespread hives; vomiting or stomach pain, especially soon after a food, medicine or insect sting.

What to do immediately:

1. Call for emergency help (108) or go to the nearest hospital at once. Don’t wait to see if it settles.
2. If the person has a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector, use it immediately as instructed.
3. Lay the person down with legs raised. If they are struggling to breathe, let them sit up. If they are vomiting or unconscious, turn them on their side.
4. Don’t give anything to eat or drink.
5. Even if symptoms improve, the person must still be checked in hospital, because symptoms can return.

After the Reaction

• Note down what happened: what you ate, touched, took or were exposed to, and when symptoms started.
• See a doctor to confirm the trigger with allergy testing.
• Avoid the trigger in future, and tell family, friends and your doctors about it.
• If you have a medicine allergy, always mention it before any new treatment, and keep a written note or allergy card with you.
• If you’ve had a severe reaction, ask your doctor about an emergency action plan.

Avoid quick-fix injections without proper diagnosis. Repeated steroid “allergy injections” may relieve symptoms temporarily but don’t solve the problem and carry side effects.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com