Allergy
What it is
It happens when the body overreacts to something that is normally harmless, such as peanuts, pollen, cats, or eggs. This reaction can cause symptoms like sneezing, itchy skin, or a runny nose.
What you can do at home
What to do
- For allergies that have already been assessed by a healthcare professional, follow the recommendations provided.
- Monitor symptoms, especially during the first 2 hours after exposure to an allergen.
- Ask a pharmacist whether over-the-counter medications may help.
If symptoms appear quickly after contact with something that has previously caused a severe allergic reaction
- Take epinephrine (e.g., EpiPen, Allerject, or Emerade) immediately.
- If epinephrine is not available, call 911 immediately.
If symptoms do not appear immediately after contact with something that has previously caused a severe allergic reaction
- Go to the emergency department immediately.
- Keep epinephrine (e.g., EpiPen, Allerject, or Emerade) close at hand during transport.
- Take epinephrine immediately if symptoms appear and worsen rapidly.
When to seek medical attention
Unexplained difficulty breathing
Frequent hives or skin redness
Persistent runny nose or red eyes
Recurrent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811 (Option 1) to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
After receiving epinephrine (e.g., EpiPen, Allerject, or Emerade), even if you are feeling better.
After being in contact with something that has previously caused a severe allergic reaction.
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (redness, itchy skin, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face), along with at least one of the following:
- High-pitched breathing sounds (stridor) or difficulty breathing.
- Bluish or purplish lips or fingers.
- Feeling weak or dizzy, or loss of consciousness.
- Very fast heartbeat.
- Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.
For young children (0–2 years):
not behaving as usual, being limp, or being difficult to wake up.