Allergy is the reaction of the body to a foreign substance, usually a harmless one, in an abnormal way. The reactions can vary from a mild itch to severe shortness of breath and it depends on the way the body responds to these allergens. Allergy can occur due to various factors, some of them are:

  • Food: Milk, wheat, meat
  • Dust: Dust mite
  • Seasonal: Pollen allergies
  • Animals: Cat, dog, rat
  • Mold: Spores 

The affected person experiences one or more reactions due to the allergy. Some common allergic reactions are:

  • Itchy nose
  • Itchy and/or watery eyes
  • Runny nose 
  • Rashes on the skin
  • Vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stomach ache
  • Swelling of eyes, nose, face, and lips

More than 50 million people, that is 59% of the American population, suffer from some type of allergy. It is an unfortunate condition as it cannot be treated. Managing and controlling the symptoms is the only way to deal with allergies.

An allergy kit consists of a set of items that reduces the impact of the allergy in the system by controlling the symptoms. The items vary with the type of allergy but most of the items are common. Be it a commercial or home remedy, it is important to have an allergy kit handy in case of an emergency.   

What should I put in my allergy kit?

Some of the common items to be kept in an allergy kit are:

  • Antihistamines

Antihistamine is a drug commonly used to treat allergic symptoms. The drug suppresses the amount of histamine, the compound responsible for the allergic effects like running nose, rhinitis and itchiness. It is advised to consult a doctor before choosing the right type of antihistamine to prevent any side effects and avoid over-dosage. 

  • Eye drops

Eye drops come to the rescue if the allergic reaction ends up with red, watery or itchy eyes. It reduces inflammation and thus reduces the effects caused by the allergen.  

  • Injectable Epinephrine

Though allergies cause a mild reaction, it might turn into a life threatening risk in certain cases. This condition is known as anaphylaxis and causes our airways to swell, resulting in difficulty in breathing and also lowering the blood pressure. An epinephrine auto-injector is necessary in such life-threatening cases. 

  • Creams and Lotions

 These can be used to treat symptoms like dry and itchy skin. Hydrocortisone cream (for inflammation) and moisturizers are important items for your allergy kit if you experience skin-related symptoms for allergy.  

  • Decongestants

Decongestant, as the name suggests, helps in reducing congestion in nose. A decongestant can be consumed to reduce the inflammation of blood vessels and tissues in the nose. Decongestants are available as nasal sprays, drops tablets or capsules, liquids or syrups, and flavored powders.

Personal Allergy First-Aid Kit

A personal allergy kit consists of a variety of allergy relief products. It is customized according to the type of allergy the person has. A personal allergy kit usually contains antihistamine, epinephrine, decongestants, hydrocortisone cream, Bronchodilators (or inhalers) and is not limited to these products.

Food Allergy Kit

From peanuts to gluten, food allergy is the most common type of allergy experienced in the country. This type of allergy should be taken seriously as people tend to consume foods that may contain an ingredient they are allergic to. An allergy testing and relief kit must be carried at all times to prevent any drastic effects.