Living with allergies can be miserable. Some struggle with them for a season, others or all year long. If you suffer through sneezing, swelling, watery eyes, itchy throat, reactions to foods or chemicals, or developing symptoms such as asthma, you know how important it is to seek help.
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance. This might be a bee sting, peanut butter, pet dander, or tree pollen. Your body will produce antibodies and when you have allergies, your body will produce antibodies that say a particular allergen is harmful to you – it is not, but that doesn’t stop the symptoms. The good news is that there are many precautions you can take, including using our medical ID bracelet for peace of mind.
Allergies Come in All Shapes and Sizes
When you come into contact with an allergen, your body reacts. Some reactions are mild and can be controlled with medications or avoidance. Other reactions can be downright deadly and you need to know what will happen and how to treat it. Allergies are not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. They come in various ways and affect people in different ways. Here are some of the most well known:
- Pollen Allergy
- Pet Allergy
- Drug Allergy
- Insect Allergy
- Mold Allergy
- Latex Allergy
- Food Allergy
You can suffer with symptoms due to multiple allergies. Many people are allergic to more than one material. Reading through our recommended precautions can help no matter the specifics of your allergy.
How to Take Allergy Precautions
#1. Avoid allergens. This may be easier said than done, but when you have the chance, take precautions against those things that cause allergic reactions. If pollen is your kryptonite, keep your home air-conditioned. If you have pet allergies, don’t be too polite to avoid the company of others’ pets. For a latex allergy, don't “be brave” and clean the house with latex gloves on, even for a minute.
#2. Take your allergy medications. You may take daily allergy meds or you may visit the allergist at intervals for an injection. Taking allergy medications will help to reduce the number of symptoms you live with.
#3. For at-risk people, keep relevant devices with you at all times. Asthma symptoms can come on seemingly out of the blue. An inhaler will give you peace of mind and, if you need it, relief. If you are at risk for anaphylaxis, be sure to keep an epinephrine auto-injector with you. This will alleviate sudden, severe symptoms.
#4. Learn more about your allergy or allergies. Because you may have more than one allergy, it’s wise to visit an allergist and find out exactly which materials may affect you. New medications are available every day for those living with allergies, but you won't know about them unless you get yourself checked out by an allergy specialist.
#5. Wear emergency ID. You never know when and where allergies can hit. At BRECK iD, we offer IDs that will help first responders help you if you cannot explain that you are allergic to certain materials. We offer wrist ID, shoes IDs, dog tag IDs, kid's IDs, and watchband IDs.
Why Emergency IDs are So Important
For all people, but especially for those who are active in sports, having an emergency ID with you is crucial if you suffer with allergies. Quick identification can prevent or relieve an allergic reaction and save your life. If you have a serious allergic reaction and cannot communicate or've been in an accident, emergency personnel want to know what critical info will get you the lifesaving help you need immediately.
When you wear an emergency ID, your personal information is right there for them to see. Most first responders are trained to look for emergency ID. It may be hours before they can identify you and by then it could be too late to help you effectively.
If you are living with allergies, it is beneficial to have family information available as well. Emergency contact numbers on an ID tell responders who to contact if they need to. If you are a runner and don't want excess baggage along for the ride, BRECK iDs are perfect to keep you safe.
Don't let allergies get the best of you. There are many ways to treat them. New knowledge is gained and medications developed every day. In the meantime, stay safe when you travel away from home, with a medical bracelet or tag made up just for you. An emergency ID will give those living with allergies additional peace of mind.