Allergy attacks, or allergic reactions, can be sudden, frightening, and extremely uncomfortable. The exact reasons why people experience allergies are still being studied. However, we know allergy symptoms occur when the immune system detects an “intruder” like pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, or other allergens.
No matter the cause, allergy attacks can be unpleasant and even life-threatening. If you believe you’re having a severe allergic reaction, seek medical care immediately.
To stay safe, it’s important to understand what happens during an allergy attack. Know what steps you can take to reduce symptoms. Below, we cover essential information on allergies and how to stop an allergy attack effectively.
What Causes Sudden Allergy Attacks?
We still aren’t quite sure what causes some people to experience allergic reactions. But we do know what’s happening in the body during an allergy attack. It’s as if your immune system reacts to a false alarm in a severe way – but there’s no way for you to tell it that you aren’t actually in any danger.
The purpose of the immune system is to recognize foreign invaders like bacteria and parasites in your environment. When those foreign bodies are detected, your body’s response is to attack the potentially harmful invaders. It does this by creating millions of antibodies – proteins that recognize and neutralize the threat.
While creating these antibodies, the immune system is supposed to filter out the antibodies that attack the wrong targets (like your body or dust). But that isn’t always how it goes. When the antibodies react to non-threatening allergens, such as food or pollen, an allergy attack occurs.
In some cases, allergy triggers appear suddenly, even if you have never had symptoms before. You might find yourself reacting to pet allergies after years of being around animals. Or you might struggle with seasonal allergies in a place where you never had issues before.
Allergies can develop at any stage of life. Exposure to new environments, pollutants, or stress can sometimes trigger a stronger immune response.
How Long Do Allergy Attacks Last?
Because there are so many different types of allergies and potential allergens out there, your allergy symptoms may look very different from another person’s.
For example, seasonal allergies (also known as hay fever) typically manifest as sneezing, postnasal drip, a stuffy or runny nose, and a sore throat. Allergies stemming from an insect sting or certain medication, on the other hand, can produce symptoms like swelling, itching, and hives.
The duration of an allergy attack depends on the severity of your reaction and continued exposure to the allergen. If you are dealing with seasonal allergies, your symptoms may persist for weeks, especially during peak pollen seasons.
A sudden allergy attack caused by food, insect stings, or medication may last only a few minutes to hours. But the effects can be life-threatening if not treated. Anaphylaxis occurs quickly and requires immediate medical intervention.
Symptoms of an Allergy Attack
Mild allergic reactions are typically just uncomfortable. However, more severe allergic reactions to the same substances are possible. Everyone’s body is different. What triggers no response or a mild reaction in one person could trigger a severe allergy attack in another.
Bee stings, peanuts, and tree nuts are common causes of more serious allergic reactions.
Pay attention to your body, and watch for severe allergy symptoms like:
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Flushed skin
- Hives, rash
- Vomiting
- Wheezing or breathing problems
- Abnormal pulse
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Trouble talking or swallowing
These are symptoms of serious allergic reactions. If you simply have a rash and itching, it is okay to start treatment at home with antihistamines such as Benadryl. If you have more than a simple rash and itching, seek care as soon as possible.
Anaphylaxis is defined as allergic symptoms in more than one body system and should be evaluated right away. If you are having a severe reaction with trouble breathing, trouble talking, or swelling in the mouth, call 911.
How You Can Treat Your Allergy Symptoms
When you feel ravaged by allergies, don’t lose hope. There are many ways to manage symptoms, from over-the-counter medications to emergency care. Whether you need quick relief at your nearest Urgency Room or strategies to prevent future attacks, knowing what to do when allergies strike can make all the difference.
Employ At-Home Allergy Remedies
There are some simple and obvious approaches for avoiding or minimizing allergic reactions. First of all, you can try preventative measures. Symptoms of seasonal allergies can include a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, wheezing, or itching. These types of allergies are mostly encountered outside.
Checking your local weather station should tell you what the outdoor air quality is like in terms of pollutants. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) will also provide your local pollen and mold report. By checking your immediate air quality reports, you can better prepare for going outdoors.
If you’re very sensitive to outdoor or seasonal allergies, consider taking an antihistamine before heading outside. You may also find a saline rinse helpful in relieving hay fever symptoms.
Lastly, minimize airborne allergens (like pollen and pet dander) in your home. You can do this by switching out your old air filter for a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
If you are exposed to a known allergy trigger, act quickly to minimize symptoms. Washing your face, changing your clothes, or using an over-the-counter antihistamine may help reduce discomfort before it escalates. If you experience throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or a severe rash, seek medical care immediately.
How to Handle Anaphylactic Shock
More severe allergy attacks will not abate with home remedies, and it’s essential that you quickly recognize more serious symptoms, like abdominal cramps and breathing problems. What should you do in the case of anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock?
If you are alone, immediately call 911. Anaphylactic shock happens quickly, and your throat could swell and cut off your supply of oxygen within minutes, causing permanent and serious damage. If you know you are at risk for severe allergic reactions, always carry an Epinephrine pen, or two, with you at all times.
Epinephrine quickly reduces and reverses anaphylactic symptoms as it’s composed of adrenaline. You can never predict when a bee will sting you or a food you’re allergic to wind up on your plate, so take the appropriate steps to protect yourself.
You should also make your close friends and family aware of your allergy so that they can also be on the lookout for severe symptoms and take action if needed.
After an anaphylactic reaction, focus on recovery and monitoring. Learn more about what to expect and how to care for yourself – watch our allergy aftercare video for essential guidance.
Know What to Do When Allergies Strike
Allergens can sneak into your life on your daily walk, a plate of food, or anywhere in between. You might be born with them or develop them years down the line. Knowing what to do when you or someone you know has an allergy attack could be the difference between life and death.
When experiencing serious allergy symptoms, visiting your local Urgency Room could bring you relief faster than you thought possible. You can schedule a visit at one of our offices now and skip the waiting room completely. Our skilled and experienced emergency physicians and staff are well-trained to care for serious allergic reactions.