3. When It Becomes a Medical Emergency

The presence of breathing difficulty is the key warning sign.

Watch for these symptoms:

• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Tightness in the throat or chest
• Swelling of lips, tongue, or face
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness or fainting

If these symptoms appear together with hives, it should be treated as a medical emergency.

4. Common Causes of Severe Allergic Reactions

Anaphylaxis can be triggered by many different factors, including:

• Foods (peanuts, shellfish, milk, eggs)
• Medications (antibiotics, pain relievers)
• Insect stings (bees, wasps)
• Latex or environmental allergens

Sometimes people are aware of their allergies. In other cases, this may be the first time symptoms appear.