sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Allergies: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, throat or tongue swelling, fainting, severe dizziness, or suspected anaphylaxis.

    Emergency evaluation is still necessary even if symptoms improve.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for new wheezing, repeated vomiting after a suspected exposure, significant facial swelling, or a worsening reaction.

    Use prescribed epinephrine immediately.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange follow-up when symptoms are frequent, interfere with daily life, remain uncontrolled, or have an uncertain trigger.

    Evaluation is also important after a reaction to food, medicine, latex, or an insect sting.

The article also says

A clinician or allergy specialist can interpret tests, confirm necessary avoidance, update medical records, and provide a written action plan.

People prescribed epinephrine should periodically review injection technique and check the device’s expiration date and condition.

Medicine allergies may be reassessed because some labels can be removed after appropriate testing or a supervised challenge.

Children with certain food allergies may need periodic evaluation because some allergies resolve over time.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Allergies. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.