Allergies have become a widespread problem. Hardly any family is spared: Some suffer from hay fever in the spring, others react sensitively to pet hair or certain foods, and some develop a dangerous hypersensitivity to insect venom. Medications can also be a trigger. But regardless of whether the symptoms are "just" a runny nose and watery eyes or whether severe breathing problems occur, anyone who experiences an allergic reaction wants to get rid of it as quickly as possible. So the question is: How do you get rid of an allergic reaction?
To answer this question, it's worth first taking a look at what actually happens in the body during an allergy. Only by understanding how a reaction develops can you take targeted measures to alleviate it or, ideally, prevent it altogether.
What is an allergic reaction anyway?
An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system. Normally, this highly complex system protects us from pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. However, in an allergy, it mistakenly classifies harmless substances—such as pollen, food proteins, or pet dander—as dangerous.
When the body encounters the allergen, histamine is released, a chemical that dilates blood vessels and promotes inflammation. This is precisely what causes the typical symptoms: itching, redness, swelling, a runny nose, watery eyes, and sometimes shortness of breath or gastrointestinal discomfort. Symptoms range from very mild to life-threatening emergencies.
Acute measures in case of an allergic reaction
The most important immediate measure is to avoid the trigger. It sounds simple, but it's the most effective step. If, for example, you experience symptoms after eating nuts, you should stop eating immediately and consider which food might have caused the problem. In the case of an insect bite, it can help to remove the stinger and cool the bite site.
Various approaches can be used for acute relief:
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Antihistamines: These medications block the effects of histamine and therefore directly target the cause of the symptoms. They are available over the counter at pharmacies and are particularly helpful for skin reactions, hay fever, or mild allergic reactions after eating.
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Cooling: A cold compress, a cold pack (wrapped in a cloth!) or even running cold water on the skin can noticeably reduce swelling and itching.
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Cortisone preparations: In severe cases, the doctor will prescribe cortisone-containing medications that have anti-inflammatory effects. However, these should only be taken under medical advice.
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Adrenaline auto-injector: For people with known severe allergies—for example, to peanuts or insect venom—this is a lifesaver. An adrenaline pen is injected into the thigh and can be life-saving in an emergency until emergency medical services arrive.
Mild allergic reactions – what you can do yourself
Not every allergic reaction is cause for panic. Many sufferers experience mild symptoms regularly, for example, during pollen season. Self-help measures can make a big difference here:
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Get hay fever under control: Wash your hair in the evening, don't take off your clothes in the bedroom, keep windows closed during the day – small routines that significantly reduce the suffering.
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Managing pet allergies: Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter, thorough hand washing after contact with animals, and, if necessary, limiting the amount of time pets spend in the home will help reduce allergen exposure.
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Soothe skin reactions: Aloe vera gel, cooling creams, or simple home remedies like curd compresses can soothe the skin. Those prone to eczema should also opt for mild, fragrance-free skincare products.
Psychological factors also play a role: Stress can exacerbate allergic symptoms. Relaxation exercises, meditation, or sufficient sleep can therefore also indirectly help to "get rid" of an allergic reaction more quickly.
Severe allergic reactions – when does it become dangerous?
The greatest danger associated with allergies is anaphylactic shock . This is an immediate, severe overreaction of the immune system that can be life-threatening. Typical symptoms include:
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Shortness of breath or tightness in the throat and chest
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severe swelling of the face, lips or tongue
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Heart palpitations, dizziness or circulatory collapse
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Nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps
Anyone who notices such symptoms should call the emergency number 112 immediately . Losing time can be fatal in this case. People with known anaphylaxis should always carry their emergency kit with them and also inform family members or friends how to use it in an emergency.
Home remedies – useful or risky?
Many sufferers first resort to home remedies before taking medication. And there are indeed some natural remedies that can alleviate an allergic reaction:
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Cold compresses or curd wraps reduce swelling after insect bites.
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Saline nasal rinses help with pollen allergies by flushing allergens from the nose.
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Chamomile tea can be used as an eye compress for irritated eyes – however, caution is advised, as chamomile itself can cause allergies.
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Honey is often considered a home remedy for hay fever because it contains traces of pollen and could help the immune system adapt to it. However, its effectiveness is scientifically controversial.
It's important to remain realistic: Home remedies can relieve minor symptoms, but they are no substitute for medical treatment if the reaction is severe or persists.
Prevention: Prevent allergic reactions from occurring in the first place
In the long run, it's more effective to prevent allergies than to treat them each time. This includes several approaches:
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Avoiding allergens: It sounds obvious, but it's not always easy. For food allergies, it means reading ingredient lists carefully. For pollen, it helps to use apps or pollen calendars.
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Hyposensitization (specific immunotherapy): This involves exposing the body to small amounts of the allergen over an extended period of time, allowing it to gradually become accustomed to it. This therapy can sustainably improve or even cure allergies.
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Healthy lifestyle: A strong immune system is less susceptible to disease. A balanced diet, sufficient exercise, and good sleep have a stabilizing effect.
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Adapt your living environment: Air purifiers, mite-proof bedding, or regular ventilation can help reduce allergen exposure in your home.
How long does an allergic reaction last?
The duration depends largely on the type of allergy and the treatment. Mild skin reactions often disappear after a few hours once the trigger is eliminated. Hay fever, on the other hand, can last for weeks as long as pollen is in the air. A severe anaphylactic reaction develops within minutes and requires immediate medical attention. Anyone who experiences frequent or prolonged symptoms should consult an allergist to determine the exact cause.
Probiotics as support for the immune system
More and more studies indicate that gut health also plays an important role in allergies. Since a large part of our immune system is anchored in the gut, an imbalance in the gut flora (dysbiosis) can make the body more sensitive. Probiotics – beneficial bacteria that can be ingested through dietary supplements or fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut – help stabilize the gut flora. Initial scientific findings show that certain probiotics can alleviate allergic symptoms, especially in cases of hay fever or atopic dermatitis. They are not a substitute for medication, but can be useful as an adjunct measure to strengthen the immune system in the long term.
Conclusion
"Getting rid of" an allergic reaction means relieving the symptoms as quickly and effectively as possible. For mild symptoms, home remedies, antihistamines, or simple measures like cooling can help. However, if you notice signs of a severe reaction, you shouldn't waste any time and should call emergency services immediately.
In the long run, prevention is key: knowing your triggers, consciously avoiding them, and possibly considering desensitization can make your life significantly easier. Allergies are serious illnesses—but with the right knowledge and appropriate strategies, they can be easily controlled.
