Understanding Allergic Reactions

If you are an Au Pair or mom, you know that having the knowledge of being able to manage and deal with an allergic reaction, is absolutely imperative when looking after Children as it could be the difference between life and death. Here are some tips…

An Allergy is a common condition shared by many, regardless of age or gender. There are also different triggers to an allergy, which makes it a challenge to understand this condition. However, it is extremely important to know how to treat allergic reactions when they happen.

The best way to differentiate allergy types is to understand their cause or triggers.

Here are some of the most common ones:

• Food Allergy: There are different types of food that could trigger allergies in a person. However, the severity depends on various factors including the amount of food eaten, exposure to the food, and the level of sensitivity by an individual.
• Insect Venom Allergy: This type of allergy is common in children and is triggered when bitten by a particular insect.
• Airborne Allergy: Also known as allergic rhinitis, this type of allergy is triggered by airborne allergens. When symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, and others are manifested, it typically comes with watery, itchy, and red eyes.

Symptoms of Allergic Reactions

Symptoms of allergies vary depending on the type of allergy and the person. However, these generic allergy symptoms are listed below. All of these symptoms might not necessarily appear at once:

• Swelling on the specific area of the body being affected by the allergy;
• Redness of the skin;
• Formation of an itchy rash;
• Feeling dizzy or collapse;
• Difficulty in breathing similar to an asthma attack

Practical Care for Allergic Reactions

Preventing further damage caused by allergies begins at home. Good knowledge of your specific type of allergy is vital in preventing severe allergic reactions.

Here are some practical tips you should know:

• Avoid any possible triggers to allergic reactions. For example, if your allergy is caused by a particular kind of food, make sure to avoid it at all times.
• Do not wait until reactions from allergies turn severe. Seek medical help as soon as you see any signs of an allergic reaction.
• For mild symptoms of allergies, nonprescription medicines often respond well. You may take these medications for only a few days.
• If you develop a rash from allergies, anti-inflammatory steroid cream such as hydrocortisone can be effective.

Using Medical Treatment for an Allergic Reaction