Allergic Reaction: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have new swelling?

See significance of new swelling if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have swelling of your tongue or throat but you are not having breathing problems?

Yes

Is swelling near your lips or on your face causing mild breathing problems?

Yes

Do you have swelling of your face, eyelids, or ears?

Yes

Do you have swelling in your mouth or throat?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have major swelling across two large joints, such as from below the ankle to above the knee or from below the elbow to above the shoulder?

Yes

Do you have swelling of the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Has swelling slowly gotten worse or not gotten better during the past 24 hours but you are not having any other problems?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	July 11, 2007
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer