First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

Chest Pain
Difficulty Breathing
Severe Bleeding

Sudden Weakness or Numbness
A Medical Emergency

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Home Treatment for a Severe Allergic Reaction

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, call911or other emergency services immediately.

If your doctor has prescribed an allergy kit, use the kit if:
- Your symptoms are severe.
- You have a kit immediately available.
- You have been taught how and when to use the kit.
- You have had a severe reaction in the past from the same type of sting, bite, food, or medicine (allergens), and similar symptoms are developing.
Take an antihistamine, such as Benadryl or Chlor-Trimeton, to help reduce your symptoms. Read and follow any warnings on the label.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised	April 29, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 29, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.