There are various factors that can trigger an allergic reaction including animals, foods, airborne particles and medications. The symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from minor to severe and localized to systemic. Most cases of allergic reactions are mild and can be easily managed
There are various factors that can trigger an allergic reaction including animals, foods, airborne particles and medications. The symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from minor to severe and localized to systemic. Most cases of allergic reactions are mild and can be easily managed, but a severe reaction can be life-threatening. An indication of a serious reaction is chest heaviness or tightness. Once an individual starts experiencing chest heaviness or tightness, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.
Some individuals who are highly sensitive to pet dander, pollen and dust mites suffer from symptoms of asthma as a response to exposure to these allergens. The chest heaviness or tightness, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing are indications of allergy-induced asthma.
In most cases, daily medications can prevent this type of asthma as well as avoidance of all substances that triggers the reaction. A doctor should be consulted whether allergy shots are beneficial since these injections gradually help the body establish tolerance to the offending substances, thus avoiding a life-threatening reaction.
Side effects of medications
An individual who has seasonal allergies might take decongestants to provide relief to the symptoms of nasal congestion, ear pain and headache. It is sad to note though that decongestants especially those that contain pseudoephedrine can cause chest heaviness and tightness as well as heart arrhythmias.
These medications must be avoided if the individual has high blood pressure or heart diseases due to the potential side effects. If the individual used pseudoephedrine and starts to experience the detrimental side effects, he/she must stop using the medications and consult the doctor as soon as possible.
Anaphylaxis is a severe and life-threatening reaction to an allergen, usually insect stings, medications or food. The symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest heaviness and heart palpitations.
Once the individual experiences chest heaviness aside from the other symptoms such as tingling in the lips or tongue, swelling of the mouth or throat, abdominal cramps or lightheadedness, call for emergency assistance right away. These symptoms can quickly progress to loss of consciousness or even death. If the individual previously experienced anaphylaxis, the doctor might refer the individual to an allergist for proper testing and provide guidance on how to manage a reaction in the future using an injectable form of epinephrine.
Considerations to bear in mind
Always remember that any chest heaviness or pain can indicate a heart attack or other serious heart conditions. With this in mind, it is not advisable to assume that it is simply due to an allergy. Abrupt or severe chest heaviness, pain that radiates to the neck or jaw, squeezing pain, racing heartbeat and shortness of breath require immediate emergency care.
If the individual has allergy-induced asthma and the regular medications taken could not control the symptoms, a doctor should be consulted or bring the individual to the nearest emergency department. In case the chest heaviness is accompanied by difficulty breathing, call for emergency assistance.