We have spoken about full, allergic, anaphylactic reactions, but now we are going to take a step back and briefly talk about minor allergic reactions. These are allergic reactions that do not affect the respiratory system.
One of the more common minor allergic reactions presents itself in the form of a rash, or even simply a bit of redness on the skin. Cases like these are not necessarily treated in the same way as anaphylactic reactions. It may be that creams can be applied to the affected area, or it can be treated using certain tablets. An example could be antihistamine tablets, such as Benadryl, Allegra, or Claritin, that a patient takes when they come into contact with an allergen. Even something like hay fever is still an allergic reaction, but it’s not having the same, full blown effect that an anaphylactic reaction has. It's quite important to recognise the difference between the major anaphylactic reactions and other, more minor reactions.
You can get advice on both major and minor reactions from your doctor, pharmacist, or online. Just be sure that if you use the internet that the source is a recognised and trusted one. Something like hay fever, for example, there are websites and non-profits or charities around that can offer support.
If someone has any type of minor reaction you must still be vigilant. Just because it’s a minor reaction at the moment doesn’t mean that it won’t develop into something worse in the future. If the condition of the patient starts to become at all worrying, you must activate the emergency services immediately.