This handout explains what an allergic reaction looks like and what steps you should take if it happens after your allergy injection. Reactions can be serious. It’s important to act right away.
Signs of an Allergic Reaction
Symptoms can affect different parts of your body. Symptoms can affect the:
Mouth: Itching or swelling of lips, tongue, or mouth.
Throat: Tightness, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, itching, or a “tickle” feeling.
Skin: Hives, itchy rash, or swelling of face, scalp, hands, feet, or groin.
Stomach: Nausea, cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Lungs: Shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness.
Heart: Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, sense of “impending doom,” or fainting.
These symptoms can progress to a life-threatening situation within minutes. Carry your epinephrine device with you on days you receive an injection. If you think you need your device, use it right away. Do not hesitate to treat. Using epinephrine is never wrong if you suspect a severe reaction.
Tell your care team about any reaction before your next injection.
Epinephrine Device
If any of these symptoms develop after your allergy injection:
Use your epinephrine device right away.
Take an antihistamine:
Claritin (Loratadine)
Allegra (Fexofenadine)
Zyrtec (Cetirizine)
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for assessment and monitoring. Do not drive yourself. Have someone else drive you.
Instructions for Epinephrine Injection
To use the device during an allergic reaction:
Remove the cap.
Grip in your palm (do not put thumb on the end).
Place tip on outer thigh.
Press hard until the injection works.
Hold for a count of 3.
If symptoms don’t improve in 5 minutes, repeat.