Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for an allergic reaction. This is your body's response to something you are allergic to. Some people have a rash, hives, trouble breathing, or swelling. Others might vomit, feel dizzy, or pass out. This problem can be caused by things like:
●Food
●Medicine
●Insect stings or bites
●Exercise
●Latex
●Triggers that can't be identified at the time
Some people can come in contact with these things and have no problems. But when you have an allergy to something, your body acts like the substance is harming you. This is what causes a reaction.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●You might have been told to see an allergist. If you did not get a referral from the ED, you can ask your regular doctor for one.
●If you were prescribed epinephrine, fill the prescription right away. Make sure you know how to use it, and keep it with you at all times.
●Avoid the allergen if you know what caused your reaction. You might need to work with your regular doctor or an allergist to find what caused your reaction. Then, you can try to avoid it.
●If you allergic to a medicine, wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. This will help others know about your allergy.
●Use a cool washcloth on your eyes or skin if this feels soothing.
●If possible, rest for the next few days.
●Use over-the-counter medicines to help with milder symptoms.
●Use antihistamine eye drops to help with itching and hives.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•You have signs of a severe reaction, like:
-Trouble breathing or wheezing, or a cough that won't stop
-Chest tightness or pain
-Feeling like your throat is closing, or swelling of your lips or tongue
-Feeling very weak like you are going to pass out, or actually passing out
●If you have signs of a severe allergic reaction and have epinephrine with you, use it right away. Then, call for an ambulance.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Are not having a severe reaction, but do have other signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
•A rash, skin redness, flushing, or hives
•Itchy skin
•Belly pain or nausea
●Are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Food allergy (The Basics)
Patient education: Drug allergy (The Basics)
Patient education: Allergy to insect stings (The Basics)
Patient education: Anaphylaxis (The Basics)
Patient education: How to give epinephrine (The Basics)
Patient education: Food allergy symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Allergy to penicillin and related antibiotics (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Bee and insect stings (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Anaphylaxis symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Anaphylaxis treatment and prevention of recurrences (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Using an epinephrine autoinjector (Beyond the Basics)
