Content

• Steps
• Advice

Allergic swelling, also called angioedema, is a common result of exposure to allergens. The swelling usually occurs around the eyes, lips, hands, feet and / or throat. It is annoying and scary to have swelling, but it will go away! If the swelling doesn't interfere with your ability to breathe, you can treat it at home. But if the condition persists, gets worse, or makes breathing difficult, seek medical attention. Fortunately, allergic swelling can be prevented.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Treat swelling at home

1. 

   Take an antihistamine. The medicine will help reduce the body's response to the allergen, which in turn can reduce swelling. You can buy an over-the-counter antihistamine, but your doctor can also prescribe the one that best suits your condition.
   • Some antihistamines cause drowsiness, can act quickly and are taken in different doses. When taken during the day, choose something that does not cause drowsiness, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra) which do not cause drowsiness but also help reduce allergy symptoms in within 24 hours.
   • Be sure to follow the directions on the medicine container.
   • Do not take antihistamines for more than a week without consulting your doctor.
   • Talk to your doctor before taking an antihistamine.

2. 

   
   
   Apply a cold compress to the swollen area for up to 20 minutes at a time. Cold compresses - such as an ice pack - will help reduce the body's inflammatory response. This will help reduce swelling and pain.
   • Do not apply ice to your skin without wrapping the cloth around the ice to avoid damaging the skin.

3. 

   Stop taking medications, supplements, or herbs that have not been prescribed by your doctor. These drugs may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Even common over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen can cause some people to have an allergic reaction.
   • Ask your doctor before starting any of the above medications again.

4. 

   
   
   Use your inhaler (if you have one) when you have a sore throat. The inhaler will help open the airways. However, if you have trouble breathing, you should see your doctor promptly.
   • Get medical help right away if you experience difficulty breathing.

5. 

   Use an Epipen injection pen in an emergency. The active ingredient in the injection pen is epinephrine, a form of adrenaline that helps to quickly relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
   • See a doctor immediately after an injection.
   • Go to the emergency room if you have not been prescribed an Epipen pen by your doctor; there they can give you an injection.
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Method 2 of 3: Seek medical attention

1. 

   
   
   Seek medical attention if swelling persists or is severe. Swelling but not breathing will respond to home treatments. If the condition does not improve after a few hours or begins to get worse, seek medical help. Your doctor may prescribe stronger medications for you, such as corticosteroids.
   • You should also see a doctor if you have never experienced swelling before.
   • Call 911 if you have difficulty breathing, make unusual breathing sounds, or feel faint.

2. 

   Ask your doctor about oral corticosteroids. This drug works to reduce inflammation in the body, thereby also helping to reduce swelling. This medication is often used after the anti-hisatamine has been taken but has no effect on swelling.
   • For example, you may be prescribed prednisone by your doctor.
   • Corticosteroids can cause side effects, including fluid retention that can cause swelling, high blood pressure, weight gain, glaucoma, mood changes, and onion problems. vi and memory.
   • In the event of a severe reaction, your doctor may administer an intravenous corticosteroid injection.
   • Follow all instructions of your doctor when taking medication.

3. 

   Get an allergy test to look for allergens if needed. Your doctor may order an allergy test. For an allergy test, you will see an allergist. You will have a small amount of different allergens inserted into the skin by the test staff, who will then monitor your reaction to each substance to determine if you have an allergy.
   • The allergy specialist will evaluate the test results. Based on this information, they can recommend appropriate treatment options for you, such as avoiding allergens and possibly injecting antiallergic drugs.
   • You may not need frequent tests or treatment if an allergic reaction occurs only once, especially if symptoms are mild. However, you should get tested for a severe reaction or a frequent disturbance in daily life.
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Method 3 of 3: Prevent swelling caused by allergies

1. 

   Avoid allergens. Allergens are things that make you allergic, such as to foods, substances or plants. The best way to prevent the swelling associated with an allergic reaction is to stay away from these. Here are a few ways to do it:
   • Check out the ingredients of the food you plan to eat.
   • Ask what ingredients are in the food and drink.
   • Do not take any medications, supplements, or herbs without first talking to your doctor.
   • Try to keep your home clean and allergen-free. For example, you need to prevent dust by using a dust cloth that can trap dust particles.
   • Use a HEPA air filter.
   • Do not go outdoors during the hours when pollen is most dispersed. Or you can use the masking method when going out.
   • Failure to come into contact with furry animals can cause an allergic reaction.

2. 

   Take medicines. Your doctor may recommend that you take an antihistamine daily. You can take 24-hour non-sedative medications such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin). In some cases, your doctor may prescribe other medications such as an inhaler or a corticosteroid. You need to take medication as prescribed by your doctor.
   • If you don't take the medicine, your body will be more sensitive to allergens.

3. 

   Avoid factors that make swelling worse. These factors include an elevated body temperature, eating spicy foods or drinking alcohol. Although not a direct cause of swelling from allergies, these factors can aggravate swelling, or make the body more prone to swelling.
   • Ibuprofen and ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors) can also worsen swelling. If you have been prescribed one of these medications by your doctor, talk to your doctor before stopping it, as they may decide to use it for the sake of the drug outweigh the risk of swelling.
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Advice

• Allergic swelling usually lasts 1-3 days, but it can take longer if you've eaten something your body needs to purify.