When a reaction starts, every second feels urgent — but having a clear plan and a steady mind makes all the difference. I write this as a mother whose child has faced multiple allergy flare-ups and hospital rushes. These are the steps and small lessons that have helped me stay focused when every instinct wants to panic.

Early Signs of a Reaction

1. Stay calm and note the time – Take a quick mental note of when symptoms started. This not only helps you gauge how the reaction is progressing but also gives doctors or your allergist valuable details for diagnosis and treatment.
2. Assess severity quickly – If there’s any difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, wheezing, gagging or throat tightness, treat is as potentially life-threatening and act immediately. If an adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjector is available, use it right away and call emergency services. Epinephrine is the first-line, life-saving treatment for severe allergic reactions. For milder symptoms like itching or hives, an antihistamine can help. We carry both an epinephrine autoinjector and an antihistamine at all times.
3. Remove triggers – If you can identify the cause such as food, drink or insect sting – stop exposure by taking away the suspected item, wiping the mouth and hands, rinsing with water, or gently scraping out a stinger if present and move to a clean area with fresh air if possible. My daughter’s symptoms are usually hives, and when that happens, we soak her in a tub of cool water and keep her distracted with toys or songs to ease the itch and help her stay calm while we monitor her. If a tub isn’t available, a cool compress works just as well to soothe the skin.
4. Dress for Comfort and Protection – Put n light, breathable clothing to prevent overheating and reduce skin irritation. Long sleeves and pants made of soft, airy fabric can help shield the skin from allergens and limit damage from scratching. Avoid tight or rough materials that create heat or friction, as this can trigger more hives or swelling. There was a time when my daughter’s feet were completely clear before a hospital visit during a reaction, but after wearing shoes for the short trip, her foot broke out in hives and swelled slightly – likely from the warmth and gentle pressure of the shoe.
5. Position and Preparation in case symptoms worsen – Keep the person lying on their back with legs slightly raised to help blood flow, unless breathing is difficult. While observing or waiting for help, gather essentials like identification, allergy medications, and a list of known triggers or medication allergies so doctors can act quickly. A step ahead is to keep an emergency bag packed and ready to grab and go – especially helpful if you’re alone with a baby, toddler or child. Include basics like snacks, a change of clothes and small toys, since hospital observation can take several hours before discharge.

This guide is based on my own experience as a food-allergy parent and reading I’ve done along the way. I’ll keep adding to this list whenever something new feels worth sharing.