How many Benadryl does it take to stop an allergic reaction
How do you treat an allergic reaction?
There are many causes of allergic reactions, meaning knowing the best treatments is not always easy. However, in most cases, home remedies and OTC medications can help reduce symptoms.
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The treatments for allergies and allergic reactions will depend on their causes and severity.
In this article, we take a close look at a range of treatments for allergic reactions, depending on a persons symptoms and their severity, including anaphylaxis.
An allergic reaction occurs when cells in the immune system interpret a foreign substance or allergen as harmful.
The immune system overreacts to these allergens and produces histamine, a chemical that causes allergy symptoms, such as inflammation, sneezing, and coughing.
Many mild to moderate allergic reactions are treatable with home remedies or over-the-counter medications. The following treatments are commonly used to reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines can help to treat most minor allergic reactions regardless of the cause. These drugs reduce the bodys histamine production, reducing symptoms, including sneezing, watering eyes, and skin reactions.
Antihistamines come in several forms, usually to help deliver the medication closer to the source of the reaction or make it easier to consume, such as:
- oral pills
- dissolvable tablets
- nasal sprays
- liquids
- eye drops
Second-generation antihistamines, including Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine), are less likely to cause drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines, such as Benadryl.
A person who is pregnant, has a heart condition, or liver disorder should consult their doctor before taking antihistamines.
Nasal decongestants
Nasal decongestant pills, liquids, and sprays can also help reduce stuffiness, swollen sinuses, and related symptoms, such as a sore throat or coughing.
However, decongestant medications are not a long-term solution. In most cases, you should not use decongestants for more than 1 week, but this time may differ between products. Always make sure to read dosage instructions closely before use.
Anti-inflammatory medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may also help temporarily reduce pain, swelling, and cramping caused by allergies.
Avoid the allergen
The best way to treat and prevent allergic reactions is to know what triggers them and stay away from them, especially food allergens.
When this is not possible or realistic, using antihistamines or decongestants when in contact with allergens can help to treat the symptoms.
Use a saline sinus rinse
When allergies cause sinus problems, rinsing the sinuses with a saline solution may help. This can remove allergens and clear the airways.
Treating environmental allergies
For airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust, and mold spores, additional treatment options include:
- throat lozenges with soothing ingredients, such as menthol, honey, or ginger
- shower and wash all clothing after being exposed to an allergen
- exercise for a few minutes to help reduce nasal congestion
Treating allergies on the skin
For allergic reactions that cause skin symptoms, including those associated with allergens found in animal saliva, poisonous plants, drugs, chemicals, and metals, additional treatment options include:
- topical corticosteroid creams or tablets
- moisturizing creams
- cold compresses
Treating severe allergies
People should speak to a professional if they have or suspect that they have severe or chronic allergies.
Treatment options for chronic or severe allergies include:
Many traditional medication systems use herbal supplements and extracts to treat and prevent allergic reactions, especially seasonal ones.
Though little scientific evidence supports using most alternative or natural remedies, some people may find that some can relieve their symptoms.
- Dietary changes: A low fat diet high in complex carbohydrates, such as beans, whole grains, and vegetables, may reduce allergy reactions.
- Bioflavonoids: These plant-based chemicals in citrus fruits and blackcurrants may act as natural antihistamines.
- Supplements: Flaxseed oil, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E may improve allergy symptoms.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture treatments may help some people relieve their symptoms.
A very severe allergic reaction can lead to anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylaxis occurs when the bodys immune response to an allergen is so severe and sudden that the body goes into a state of shock. Anaphylaxis can impact multiple organs and, if left untreated, lead to coma, organ failure, and death.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- tingling in the palms of the hand, soles of the feet, and lips
- swollen tongue, throat, mouth, and face
- difficulty breathing
- rapid but weak pulse
Anyone who suspects anaphylaxis should call 911 and seek emergency medical care.
If the person carries an EpiPen, which is a self-injectable dose of epinephrine for treating anaphylaxis, inject this into their thigh as soon as possible.
First aid for anaphylaxis includes:
- try to keep the person calm
- the person may vomit, so turn them on their side and keep their mouth clear
- try to get the person to lay flat on their back with their feet raised about a foot above the ground
- make sure the persons clothing is loose, or remove constricting clothing
- do not give them anything to drink or eat, even if they ask for it
- if they are not breathing, practice CPR with around 100 firm chest compressions every minute until emergency services arrive
If a person does not have an EpiPen, a doctor or paramedic will give an injection of the hormone epinephrine or adrenaline. This will immediately increase the output of the heart and blood flow throughout the body.
Learn more about how to perform CPR here.
Many people experience allergic reactions when they are exposed to specific allergens, ranging from pet dander and pollen to compounds in foods, drinks, and personal hygiene products.
The best treatment of an allergic reaction depends on the cause, though most minor cases can be treated with OTC antihistamines and anti-itch products.
A person should seek immediate medical attention for chronic or severe allergic reactions, especially those that involve swelling of the throat or changes in heart rate. Anaphylaxis should always be treated as a medical emergency.
Is Benadryl Good for Allergic Reactions?
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[blog updated April 2019]
Is Benadryl the Best Option for Treating Allergic Reactions?
Dr. Dean Mitchell, Board Certiallergic-reactions-and-benadryl.jpgfied Allergist in NYC, discusses why Benadryl is not the best antihistamine for allergic reactions.
For so many years people have thought that they should take Benadryl for
allergic reactions. Its common to get Benadryl in the ER when you are having an allergic reaction and when people go to the drugstore they think Benadryl is the best antihistamine to take to help alleviate their allergies.
Just because Benadryl is the oldest antihistamine doesnt make it the best one to use when you have an allergic reaction. In fact, I rarely recommend using Benadryl for allergic reactions.
Today, there are better choices when you have an allergic reaction such as Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec, and Sublingual Allergy Drops.
Benadryl vs Claritin
This is a non-sedating antihistamine which means it doesnt cross the blood-brain barrier so it doesnt make you tired. It also works quickly. In fact, today they have a Claritin ready-tab which you just put on your tongue and it works instantly. You can carry around these tabs in your wallet if you are prone to getting allergic reactions you cant predict.
Benadryl vs Allegra
Allegra maybe even stronger than Claritin. It lasts longer and also doesnt affect your blood-brain barrier so you dont get tired. This is one of my favorite antihistamines for patients who get chronic allergies.
Benadryl vs Zyrtec
This is based on an older antihistamine called hydroxyzine which is very powerful. Zyrtec is probably the most powerful of all the antihistamines listed but it can be sedating. People can get tired from it and as a result, its not always tolerated well. It is not always my first choice for allergic reactions. It can also last in your body for several weeks.
Best Option Sublingual Allergy Drops
If you are really suffering from chronic allergies frequently and you want to get to the underlying problem and treat it more permanently something like sublingual allergy immunotherapy drops can really make a difference.
In fact, sublingual allergy drops can even be used now to help you find relief from food allergies.
Sublingual allergy drops are pain-free and can be taken from the comfort of your home. They are a safer alternative than allergy shots and more effective than over-the-counter medications like Benadryl, Claritin or Zyrtec. They help your body gradually build up a resistance to the allergen you are allergic to. And after some time, you will find complete relief from your allergy and annoying allergy symptoms.
I suggest that you see your doctor and you ask them if you have been or can be allergy tested. Once you have been tested ask if they can arrange for you to get allergy drops so you can have lasting allergy protection.
Dr. Dean Mitchell, M.D.Mitchell Medical Group in NYC & Long Island
About the Author Dr. Dean Mitchell, M.D.
Dr. Dean Mitchell M.D. is a Board-Certified Allergist and Immunologist based out of NYC. He graduated from the Sackler School of Medicine and completed training at the Robert Cooke Allergy Institute in New York City. He is also a Professor of Clinical Immunology at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and the author of Allergy and Asthma Solution: The Ultimate Program for Reversing Your Symptoms One Drop at a Time. Dr. Dean Mitchell, M.D. has also been featured in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Fitness Magazine, Dr. Oz and News NY 1. Dr. Mitchell also hosts the podcast The Smartest Doctor in the Room a combination of a lively, personal and in-depth interview with top healthcare specialists.
