When is an Allergic Reaction an Emergency?

Every second matters when you or your loved one gets a severe allergic reaction. Distinguishing the initial signs of a serious and critical allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, and taking immediate action with emergency medication can be the differentiating factor between life and death. In a nutshell, not treating a serious allergic reaction can be your biggest mistake. Moreover, the people who die from anaphylaxis are mostly those who delayed their treatment. This is why it is critical for people with life-threatening allergies to be aware of the symptoms of anaphylaxis and be prepared in advance.

How Can You Identify Anaphylaxis?

The symptoms of anaphylaxis tend to differ significantly from person to person. Symptoms may present within a matter of seconds when there is exposure to the allergen or they gradually occur over a period of time. Some of the common and prevailing signs of anaphylaxis include:

• Cough, shortness of breath, panting, inflamed throat, and difficulty in swallowing;
• Abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea;
• Itchiness, red bumps and redness on the skin;
• Dizziness, loss of balance, weakness and low blood pressure.

Allergic reactions tend to become even more serious and are deemed a medical emergency when one or more of the symptoms are predominantly serious.Immediately visit an ER if you are feeling dizzy, having trouble breathing, or experiencing a skin rash and vomiting.

Treating Anaphylaxis

As soon the patient is diagnosed with anaphylaxis, immediately call 911. Meanwhile, try to keep the patient as calm and relaxed as possible. The next step is looking for medical care at an emergency room (ER). The value and importance of emergency rooms cannot be taken for granted. There is still the need for emergency treatment due to the severity of anaphylaxis. Many patients, even after receiving treatment, may still need to be watched and observed due to symptoms recurring. In fact, there are times when a person gets better after a severe allergic reaction, only to have the symptoms reappear, a state which is known as biphasic anaphylaxis. Because of this, the general consensus is that patients who are treated for anaphylaxis should undergo observation either within the ER setting or hospital to ensure that they remain stable before being discharged home. Offering 24 hour emergency care, Victoria ER is a good choice for people seeking emergency medical care in Victoria, TX. Catering to all kinds of emergencies, Victoria ER offers professional and prompt urgent care for both adults and children in Victoria. To learn more about our services, click here.

 Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Victoria ER or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.