What to keep in your allergy emergency kit

Posted: 6th April 2022 | Posted by Costa

What to keep in your allergy emergency kit

What’s the most terrifying aspect of having an allergy? For some, it’s not too bad. A blocked nose and itchy eyes might be the worst it can get. But for others, it’s a life-or-death situation. And the scariest part of that is the feeling of being on edge at all times. People with life-threatening allergies are always on high alert.

If you’re looking to take some of that stress away, why not consider an allergy emergency kit? A first-aid bag with everything you need in an allergy attack. If it’s never crossed your mind, here are some of the items you can put in it.

Inhaler

If you’re liable to have breathing difficulties, an inhaler is a key tool to have. Anyone with asthma will already be familiar with having to carry one around. It can’t hurt to have one stored away for emergencies, too.

EpiPen

In a similar vein, an EpiPen should always be close by. If you have an allergy that can cause anaphylaxis, this can literally save your life. Consider storing two inside your kit.

Antihistamines

Not every allergy attack is a danger. Sometimes, it’s just an inconvenience. But that doesn’t mean you should suffer. Over-the-counter antihistamines can alleviate some of your symptoms, leaving you feeling a bit more comfortable. This is perfect for any hay fever sufferers this spring and summer.

Eye drops

There are a few kinds of eye drops and each serves its own purpose. So if you’re putting these in your kit, make sure they’re the right ones. Some ease inflammation on itchy eyes, and some are used for flushing out allergens.

Creams and/or lotions

If your allergies cause an outbreak of dry or irritated skin, you might want to keep a small tube of cream or lotion handy. It’s perfect for moisturising and soothing inflamed skin. People with eczema might want to talk to their doctor about stronger prescription creams they can store away.

Tissues

It’s not a medicine, but that doesn’t mean it can’t help! A small travel pack of tissues can come in handy for stuffy, runny noses or teary eyes. Alternatively, a small bag of wet wipes might also be useful for cleaning down surfaces.

Instructions

If you’re caught in a worst-case scenario, you might have to hand the allergy emergency kit over to someone else. In these cases, you’ll want clear instructions for them to follow. This might include information for administering medication, or just quick notes on what allergies you suffer from. Having it in different languages might also be useful, so keep that in mind if you’re travelling abroad.

Your allergy emergency kit will be specific to your needs. So pick and choose what you need to. Over time, you might want to make a couple to have in various places. Your home, your workplace, or even a family member’s home might be good places to store one. In the end, you might be thankful to have it close by. And even if you never use it, at least you have that peace of mind.

If you’re ever unsure, talk to an allergy specialist about managing your condition. Our friendly experts are always happy to help. You can register as a new patient, or simply call us on 02031 433 449 for advice.