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You may someday find yourself in a situation where you have a serious allergic reaction while far from home or a hospital. Sometimes it's possible to prepare for such eventualities. However, it's also possible to have a reaction occur completely by surprise. Here's how you can handle such eventualities.
Know What You're Allergic To
This should go without saying, but many people have surprise allergic reactions to things they had no idea they were allergic to. On top of that, allergies can develop for anyone at any age, for virtually any reason.
Before you even step out for a trip away from civilization, speak to your healthcare provider about the possibility of an allergic reaction. Even with proper precautions, it's still possible to fall victim to something unexpected, like a bee sting allergic reaction, or a brush with poisoned oak.
Know the Signs of an Allergic Reaction
If it happens, you need to know it's happening. Signs of an allergic reaction can vary from mild to severe, to fatal. Mild signs include things like a rash, hives, and itching. You will likely also have cold-like symptoms. While uncomfortable, these types of allergic reactions probably won't land you in the hospital.
It's the severe reactions that you need to worry about.
If you experience any of these symptoms, or combinations of these symptoms, you need to control the situation immediately.
Leave Prepared for the Possibility of an Allergic Reaction
If you already know you're prone to allergy attacks, you should already have your emergency medication on hand. That will solve the largest part of the problem. Either ingest or inject what you need, or help someone to help you do so if you're in a group.
Bring Anti-Histamines and Other Allergy Medications
Even if you're not prone to allergies, you should keep something on you just in case. Often, you can mitigate a bad allergic reaction with over-the-counter anti-histamines such as diphenhydramine.
When you have an allergic reaction, your body releases histamines. Histamines create those physical reactions. An antihistamine can block some of the more terrible effects long enough for you to get help.
Try to remove yourself from the cause of your allergic reaction, if you know what it is. For example, if it's a bee sting, make sure to remove the stinger. If it's from a plant, make sure to get away from it. The goal in such emergencies is to do everything possible to keep yourself from going into anaphylactic shock or cardiac arrest.
What If You Have Nothing On Hand?
The unfortunate truth about a severe allergic reaction is that dealing with one requires help. If you are alone somewhere, and do not have epinephrine, or any OTC allergy medications, then you are in danger. The best thing you can do for yourself is the following:
Staying calm is of the utmost importance, as anxiety can worsen the symptoms. If you recognize the symptoms for what they are, you will buy yourself some time to seek help before they develop further.
This is why it's important that you plan for the possibility ahead of time. Speak to your healthcare professional about allergies and allergy testing. Also, ask their opinion on what steps you should take to prepare for the possibility of a surprise severe reaction.
Share8 November 2016
