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Swelling from allergies, also known as angioedema, is a common result of exposure to allergens. This swelling typically appears around the eyes, lips, hands, feet, and/or throat. While it can be uncomfortable and alarming, the swelling will usually subside on its own! If the swelling doesn't interfere with breathing, home treatment can be effective. However, if symptoms persist, worsen, or cause difficulty breathing, seeking medical attention is necessary. Fortunately, allergy-induced swelling can be prevented.
Steps
Treating Swelling at Home
Take Antihistamines. These medications help reduce the body's reaction to allergens, potentially minimizing swelling. Over-the-counter antihistamines are available, but your doctor may prescribe the most suitable medication based on your specific condition.
- Some antihistamines may cause drowsiness, which can provide rapid relief. There are non-drowsy options, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra), which also relieve allergy symptoms for up to 24 hours without causing drowsiness.
- Always follow the instructions on the medication packaging.
- Avoid using antihistamines for more than a week without consulting your doctor.
- Consult your doctor before taking antihistamines.
Apply a cold compress to the swollen area for up to 20 minutes per session. A cold compress, such as an ice pack, can help reduce the body’s inflammatory response. This method will help ease swelling and pain.
- Do not apply ice directly to the skin without wrapping it in cloth to avoid damaging the skin.
Avoid taking any over-the-counter medications, supplements, or herbs not prescribed by your doctor. These substances may trigger allergic reactions in some people. Even common over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals.
- Consult your doctor before resuming use of any of these medications.
Use an inhaler (if available) when experiencing swelling in the throat. An inhaler can help open the airways. However, if you experience difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.
- Call emergency services right away if you have trouble breathing.
Use an Epipen in case of an emergency. The Epipen contains epinephrine, a form of adrenaline that rapidly alleviates allergy symptoms.
- Visit a doctor immediately after administering the injection.
- Go to the emergency room if you do not have a prescription for an Epipen; they can administer the medication there.
Seek Medical Attention
Visit a doctor if swelling persists or becomes more severe. Swelling that does not affect breathing typically responds to at-home remedies. If symptoms do not improve within a few hours or worsen, seek medical help. Your doctor may prescribe stronger medications, such as corticosteroids.
- It is also recommended to see a doctor if you have never experienced swelling before.
- Call emergency services if you experience difficulty breathing, unusual sounds when breathing, or feel faint.
Ask your doctor about oral corticosteroid medications. These drugs work to reduce inflammation in the body, which in turn can help reduce swelling. They are often prescribed after antihistamines have failed to alleviate swelling.
- For example, your doctor may recommend prednisone.
- Corticosteroids can have side effects, including fluid retention that may cause swelling, high blood pressure, weight gain, glaucoma, mood changes, and memory or behavioral problems.
- If you experience a severe reaction, your doctor may administer corticosteroids intravenously.
- Always follow your doctor's instructions when taking these medications.
Consider allergy testing to identify potential allergens. Your doctor may suggest allergy testing, which is typically done by an allergy specialist. The test involves applying small amounts of various allergens to your skin and monitoring your reaction to determine any allergies.
- An allergy specialist will evaluate the test results. Based on this information, they may recommend appropriate treatment options, such as avoiding allergens or possibly allergy shots.
- You may not need testing or regular treatment if your allergic reaction was a one-time occurrence, especially if the symptoms were mild. However, testing is recommended for severe or recurrent reactions that disrupt your daily life.
Preventing Allergy-Induced Swelling
Avoid allergens. Allergens are substances that trigger allergic reactions, such as certain foods, chemicals, or plants. The best way to prevent swelling associated with allergic reactions is to stay away from these triggers. Here are some ways to do that:
- Check the ingredients of foods before eating them.
- Ask about the ingredients in foods and drinks.
- Do not take medications, supplements, or herbs without consulting your doctor.
- Keep your home clean and free from allergens. For example, use a dust cloth that captures dust particles.
- Use HEPA air filters.
- Avoid going outdoors during peak pollen hours, or wear a mask when you do.
- Avoid contact with pets that may trigger allergic reactions.
Taking Medication. Your doctor may recommend that you take an antihistamine daily. You can use non-drowsy medications that last for 24 hours, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin). In some cases, your doctor might prescribe additional treatments like inhalers or corticosteroid medications. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions when taking these medications.
- Failing to take the medication could make your body more sensitive to allergy triggers.
Avoid Factors that Exacerbate Swelling. These factors include elevated body temperature, consuming spicy food, or drinking alcoholic beverages. While not directly causing swelling from allergies, these elements can worsen the condition or make your body more prone to swelling.
- Ibuprofen and ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) may also intensify swelling. If your doctor has prescribed any of these medications, discuss with them before discontinuing use, as they may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks of causing swelling.
Advice
- Swelling from allergies typically lasts 1-3 days, but it may persist longer if you've consumed something your body needs to detoxify.
