24 Hour Emergency Room Can Treat Food Allergies: 10 Tips
Children and adults who end up having adverse reactions to food are often taken to emergency rooms (ER). Some of these reactions may be non-allergic (food intolerances) or true allergic (Immunoglobulin E -mediated). While others are food-induced anaphylaxes, which is one of the most serious and life-threatening allergic reactions to food.
If you are suffering from allergic reactions, you can ease their symptoms by taking an OTC antihistamine. However, if it is not providing you with relief or if you have severe allergies, It’s time to visit an urgent care center or ER. FrontLine ER is available to cater for all your medical needs. Below are some of the ways food allergies can be treated.
Long-Acting Antihistamines
Prescription antihistamine medicine such as montelukast sodium (Singulair) is a type of antihistamine that helps to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is administered through an IV or injecting a muscle directly to rapidly reverse the actions of histamine. Oral diphenhydramine is used for a less severe reaction by blocking histamine from attaching to its receptors in various parts of the body thereby stopping it from causing symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays
These sprays are commonly prescribed for nasal symptoms that are not relieved by antihistamines. Examples are fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone, and triamcinolone (Nasacort). Although they take a few days to work effectively and must be used every day, nasal decongestants should only be used for a while because continued use can actually make symptoms worse.
Epinephrine (EpiPen, Auvi-Q)
This epinephrine medication can only be administered during very critical reactions like anaphylaxis through injection. It dilates the breathing tubes and constricts the blood vessels thereby increasing blood pressure. It is available in an easy-to-use auto-injector. Your allergist may prefer that epinephrine is used for mild symptoms or before symptoms begin to show. Consult us at FrontLine ER and for a personalized emergency care plan.
Intravenous Corticosteroids
They are usually administered via intravenous for a quick reversal of the effects of the mediators. Corticosteroids reduce swelling and other symptoms of allergies.
It’s necessary to take oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone or methylprednisolone) for several days afterward for less severe reactions. A corticosteroid cream may also be used for skin reactions.
Phenergan Injection (Promethazine)
This injection can be used to prevent and treat nausea related certain conditions. In addition, it can be used together with other medication to treat severe allergies and reaction to blood products. It can also be used to treat mild allergic reactions when you are unable to take promethazine orally.
Phenergan injection helps you to feel relaxed or sleepy before and after surgery or during other medical procedures. It may also be used to help certain pain relievers (like meperidine) work better. Promethazine works by blocking histamine that your body produces during an allergic reaction.
Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers are used to treat asthma and nasal allergy symptoms. They can be prescribed together with other drugs. They are only available with a doctor’s prescription and they come as pills, chewable tablets, or oral granules.
Mast Cell Stabilizers
Mast cell stabilizers are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications that may also be used to help temporarily reduce pain, swelling, and cramping caused by allergies. They are made in the form of eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis, and nasal sprays for nasal allergy symptoms. The stabilizers work by preventing the release of histamine from mast cells. Just like a majority of the drugs, it may take several some time before the full effects are realized.
Use A Saline Sinus Rinse
A saline sinus can treat symptoms such as a runny or itchy nose. It works by cleansing and helping to remove pollen from the nasal lining. Whenever there are some allergies that cause sinus problems, doctors can recommend a person to rinse their sinuses with saline. This removes allergens and clears the airways effectively.
Topical Corticosteroid Creams Or Tablets
Corticosteroids contain steroids that reduce inflammation and itching. Such creams are available online or in local drugstores but a doctor can prescribe a stronger version of it. Emollient creams with soothing ingredients, such as calamine can treat allergic skin reactions.
Desensitization Therapy
Rapid desensitization therapy, also known as immunotherapy is a relief medical treatment for some types of food allergies. Immunotherapy involves subjecting people to large amounts of allergen with the aim of changing the immune system’s response. It’s one of the most effective forms of treatment if you suffer from allergies for more than three months of the year.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has approved several oral, under-the-tongue immunotherapy tablets that can be taken at home. However, these can only be short term, therefore its best to visit doctors at Frontline ER so that you can be spared from serious discomfort caused by the allergic reactions.
