Allergic Reaction

[Carie]

I'm hoping someone who has had an allergic reaction before tell me if this was normal. I had an allergic reaction to who knows what this morning. I got an epha(whatever), benadryl, and steroid shot about 3.5 hours ago. The swelling, hives, itching all went away. 30 minutes ago the hives and itching started back. Is this normal for you to come back this quickly?

[Solid D]

Not normal. Report this to your Dr. If you have trouble breathing, seek help immediately.

[tlongII]

Agree with Solid D.

[Vashner]

Mountain Cedar is real high nowdays.. see the post "Smoking trees?"..

[fraga]

It's normal if you came in to contact with whatever made you break out the first time...the trick is tracking down what is causing it...

[ShoogarBear]

Go back to the ER. If you're having trouble breathing, call 911.

[2Blonde]

Epinephrine (Adrenaline) is the other drug you were given. I am allergic to a lot of stuff too. Here is a run down on the Epi.
What is adrenaline (epinephrine)?
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a quick-acting hormone. Our body produces it from two glands sitting just above each kidney. This happens when we meet an emergency; the adrenaline (epinephrine) makes our heart pump faster, widens the air passages in the lungs, and tightens up our blood vessels. We get the well-known feeling of alertness and the feeling of a rapid heartbeat and tremor which comes from suddenly being in an emergency. Not only does adrenaline (epinephrine) ready the body and the mind for 'fight or flight', but adrenaline (epinephrine) also works against all the effects of anaphylaxis.
So adrenaline (epinephrine) is the body's own natural quick-acting hormone for emergencies. When we inject it from a syringe, we can give more than the body can produce quickly.

This means you get more benefit, but also more side-effects and some dangers. In most people adrenaline (epinephrine) is very safe if you use the right dose in the right way, but it is important to understand what you are being asked to use.
The steriod shot will help with the allergic reaction and the swelling and will help you in the long run but you need to keep taking Bendryl for a few days until the itching and hives get under control. Whatever set off your reaction may still be around you. Did they give you an oral steriod pack, like a medrol dose-pak to take? Anyway, listen to what everyone said and go back to the ER if you have any trouble breathing. Good luck.
Of course Ginofan is probably the resident expert on drugs around here since she just passed her pharmacy exam. Maybe she has some good advice.

[Carie]

Thanks for the advice guys. Went to the pharmacy to pick up the meds and the pharmacist told me to get myself back to the doctor...which I did after downing some more Benadryl. It's where I've been for the past couple of hours. Benadryl and epi shots are my friend

After the game, time to track down what the did this to me...will look into the cedar tree thing, thanks!