Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Treat the swelling at home
• Method 2 of 3: Get medical attention
• Method 3 of 3: Prevent swelling from an allergic reaction
• Tips

When you come into contact with substances that cause an allergic reaction, you often experience swelling as a result. This is also referred to as angioedema. Usually it is your eyes, lips, hands, feet and / or throat that swell. Swelling can be unpleasant and scary, but they eventually subside. If your swelling does not cause you problems breathing, you can treat the swelling yourself at home. Get medical help right away if your skin continues to be swollen, the swelling is getting stronger, and you experience breathing difficulties from the swelling. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent swelling from an allergic reaction.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Treat the swelling at home

1. Take an antihistamine. Your body will react less strongly to the allergen, causing the swelling to subside. There are over-the-counter antihistamines available, but your doctor can also prescribe the one that best meets your needs.
   • Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness and act quickly. The dose differs per drug. During the day, use a remedy that does not make you drowsy. Cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritine), and fexofenadine (Telfast) are all popular medications that will not make you drowsy and will soothe the symptoms of your allergy for 24 hours.
   • Make sure you follow all directions on the package.
   • Never take an antihistamine for more than a week without asking your doctor for advice.
   • Talk to your doctor before taking an antihistamine.
2. Apply a cold compress to the affected area for up to 20 minutes. A cold compress like an ice bag reduces the inflammatory response in the body. This will reduce the swelling and pain.
   • Never put ice on your skin without first wrapping fabric around it. Your skin can be damaged otherwise.
3. Stop taking any medications, supplements, and herbs that are not prescribed by a doctor. These agents can unfortunately cause allergic reactions in some people. Even well-known over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen can cause allergic reactions in some people.
   • Consult your doctor before resuming use.
4. Use an inhaler if you have one and your throat is swollen. This helps to clear your airways of blockages. However, if you are having trouble breathing, it is important to see a doctor right away.
   • Call 112 if you have trouble breathing.
5. In an emergency, use an EpiPen. The active ingredient in an EpiPen is epinephrine, which is a type of adrenaline. It can quickly soothe the symptoms of your allergic reaction.
   • See your doctor immediately after taking the medication.
   • If your doctor has not prescribed an EpiPen for you, go to an emergency room where you can be given the medicine.

Method 2 of 3: Get medical attention

1. If swelling persists and is severe, see your doctor. You should be able to treat swellings that do not cause breathing problems at home. If the swelling does not subside after a few hours and gets worse, get medical attention. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger medicine, such as corticosteroids.
   • Also see your doctor if you have never had any swelling before.
   • Go to an emergency room or call 911 if you have trouble breathing, make abnormal noises when you breathe, and feel faint.
2. Ask your doctor about oral corticosteroids. These drugs reduce inflammation in your body, which reduces swelling. They are often prescribed when antihistamines alone do not help the swelling to subside.
   • For example, your doctor can prescribe prednisone for you.
   • Corticosteroids can have side effects such as water retention that can cause swelling, high blood pressure, weight gain, glaucoma, mood changes, behavioral problems and memory problems.
   • In the event of a severe reaction, your doctor may administer corticosteroids through an IV.
   • Make sure you fully follow your doctor's instructions regarding taking the medications.
3. If necessary, have an allergy test done to find out what your triggers are. Your doctor can order an allergy test. In that case, you will have to see an allergy specialist. A nurse will scratch your skin with small amounts of different allergens. He or she will monitor your reaction to the substances to see if you are allergic.
   • The specialist will review the outcome of the examination. Based on this information, he or she can recommend a certain treatment, such as avoiding your triggers and getting allergy shots.
   • A single reaction may not be enough for an allergy test and regular treatment, especially if the reaction is mild. In the case of a severe reaction or reactions that occur often enough to disrupt your daily life, you will have to undergo an allergy test.

Method 3 of 3: Prevent swelling from an allergic reaction

1. Avoid your triggers. Your triggers are the things you are allergic to, such as foods, substances and plants. Avoiding your triggers is the best way to avoid having an allergic reaction and your body from swelling. Here are some ways you can do that:
   • Check the list of ingredients on the packaging of the food you want to eat.
   • Ask people what is in certain foods and drinks.
   • Do not take any medications, supplements, and herbs without talking to your doctor first.
   • Keep your home clean and free from allergens. For example, keep your house dust-free by cleaning with a feather duster that has dust particles on it.
   • Use a HEPA air filter.
   • Do not go outside during the hours when the amount of pollen in the air is greatest. An alternative is to wear a face mask.
   • Avoid animals if you are allergic to their dander.
2. Use your medications. Your doctor may recommend taking an antihistamine daily. This may be a drug that does not make you drowsy and works for 24 hours, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritine). In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe other medications such as an inhaler or corticosteroids. Use the medications according to your doctor's instructions.
   • If you don't take your medication or forget it, your body will react more sensitively to your triggers.
3. Avoid things that make the swelling worse. This often involves things like getting very hot, eating spicy foods and drinking alcohol. There is no direct link between these things and swelling caused by an allergic reaction, but they can make the swelling worse and cause your body to swell more quickly.
   • Ibuprofen and ACE inhibitors (which inhibit the action of the angiotensin converting enzyme) can also make your swelling worse. If your doctor has prescribed these medications for you, ask your doctor if you can stop taking them. The risk of swelling may outweigh the benefits of these drugs.

Tips

• Swelling caused by an allergy usually lasts for 1-3 days, but this can be longer if you have swallowed something that your body needs to get rid of.