Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if
- The person's allergic reaction is severe or rapidly worsening (over minutes -- see above).
- The person has a history of severe allergic reactions (check for a medical ID tag).
Prevention
- Avoid triggers such as foods and medications that have caused an allergic reaction, even a mild one, in the past. This includes detailed questioning about ingredients when eating away from home. Ingredient labels should also be carefully examined.
- If you have a child who is allergic to certain foods, introduce one new food at a time so you can recognize an allergic reaction.
- A medical ID tag should be worn by people who know that they have serious allergic reactions.
- If you have a history of a serious allergic reactions, carry emergency medications (such as diphenihydramine and injectable epinephrine or a bee sting kit) according to your health care provider’s instructions.
- Do not use your injectable epinephrine on anyone else. They may have a condition (such as a heart problem) that could be affected by this drug.
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