Allergic Reaction

An allergy is when your body’s immune system reacts to an allergen.

An allergen is a substance that triggers an allergic reaction.  Your body’s immune system treats the allergen as a threat, and produces antibodies to fight it off. This reaction is called the immune response.

Allergy symptoms can include sneezing, wheezing, coughing and skin rashes.

Common allergens are pollen, house dust mites, mould and pets. Nuts, fruit and latex can also be allergens, although this is more rare.

The doctors at IPSA can offer treatment and help managing allergies. Visit IPSA to speak to our medical team.

Allergy Treatments at IPSA

At the IPSA clinic, you will be seen by our doctor with a strong background in emergency medicine.  We can see you immediately, without a prior appointment.

Our experienced doctor will give you a full examination to exclude any serious causes for your symptoms.

If you are suffering from an allergic reaction at the time of the consultation, based on the severity of your symptoms, we will offer immediate treatment.

The treatment we provide may include oxygen, steroids, antihistamines, inhalers or adrenaline. If you need immediate relief of your symptoms, we may offer you medication in the form of injections.

We can arrange full allergy tests to pinpoint or confirm diagnosis of a particular allergy. We can also provide medical sick notes if needed.

Following your appointment, we offer easy access to the doctor by phone seven days a week, so if you have any further worries or questions when you go home with your treatment, call IPSA medical for advice.

What is an Allergic Reaction?

Usually an allergic reaction involves irritation and inflammation in the body. You may experience the following symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes, ears, lips, throat and the roof of your mouth
• Sinus pain
• Nettle rash
• Swelling
• Shortness of breath
• Sickness, vomiting and diarrhoea

Anaphylaxis

In very rare cases, an allergy can lead to a severe allergic reaction, which is called anaphylactic shock and can be fatal.

Anaphylactic shock is when the allergic reaction involves the whole body. It usually happens within minutes of coming into contact with a particular allergen.

The symptoms can include:

• Mouth and throat swelling
• Difficulty swallowing and speaking
• Breathing
• Rash
• Flushed or itching skin
• Stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting
• Weakness due to blood pressure falling
• Collapse and unconsciousness

Anaphylactic shock requires emergency treatment with an injection of adrenaline into the muscle.

Contact IPSA if you have any concerns about allergies. Call us for a same-day appointment or book a consultation online.