Allergy Attack: Think Fast

Would you recognize the signs of a serous, possibly life-threatening, allergic reaction? Here are some simple guides:

• Face – Itchiness, redness, swelling of the face and tongue.

• Airways – Trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking.

• Stomach – Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea.

• Total body – Rash, itchiness, swelling, weakness, paleness, loss of consciousness.

What causes these symptoms? The most common triggers include food, most frequently peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, fish, soy, sesame seed and wheat insect stings, drugs and latex.

In case of an unexpected attack, use an epinephrine auto-injector at the first sign of a reaction and head for the hospital.