Allergic reactions happen when a person who is sensitive to a climate, smell or physical material comes in contact with it and experience uncomfortable symptoms. Allergic reactions may occur instantly leaving very little reaction time and hence can be very serious or even fatal leading to death of the patient. Usually people are allergic to dogs, dust, dust mites, trees, bee stings, weeds, cats, molds, and foods, such as nuts, shellfish and strawberries. Such type of allergy affect allergic patient within seconds of exposure and can cause minor or major problems such as, skin rashes, hives, itching, sneezing, or watery eyes. Major severe allergic reactions include difficulty in breathing, swelling of tongue, wheezing, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, chest pain, tightness, and unconsciousness. In case of acute anaphylactic allergic reactions the treatment must be given within fifteen minutes or death could occur from anaphylactic shock.

Allergic reactions always occur quickly but some may take up to a few hours but allergic reactions do not usually occur after twenty four hours from exposure to allergen. When a allergic person is repeatedly exposed to allergen in smaller and smaller amounts on different occasions it causes symptoms of allergy. If someone is suffering from environmental or pet allergies then his or her allergy can be simply controlled by taking an antihistamine such as Benadryl, and a decongestant will relieve patient from symptoms. But in some cases people may also require immunotherapy and asthma treatment in addition to other medications. Allergic persons should avoid shellfish, poison ivy, peanuts, and bee stings whenever possible because more severe allergic reactions usually result when exposure to allergen occurs. Everyone who have experienced severe allergic reactions in the past, either an adult or children must carry an Epi-Pen in case of accidental exposure to their allergen. The Epi-Pen is a pre-filled syringe ready for emergency administration and contains epinephrine. Its very easy ot use, simply pull off the needle guard and inject it into a large muscle, such as the thigh. There is no need to waste valuable time trying to remove clothing of the patient as the Epi-Pen can be used through the clothing also.

It is very important to monitor the person who is suffering form any allergic trauma. Emergency treatment should be given immediately if symptoms do not eliminate within five minutes after giving the injection. If the condition worsens even after administration of an Epi-Pen, the patient should be immediately transferred to the hospital. Allergic reactions are quite common these days. It is important that people know what to do in the case anyone is suffering from algebraic reactions as it could be a matter of life or death for that patient.