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Many people with allergies experience mild symptoms, like itchy eyes, that are annoying but generally harmless.

Person using an ephedrine pen.

It’s important to understand the stages of anaphylaxis if you have allergies.

But someallergic reactionscalled anaphylaxis can be so severe that they become life-threatening.

Anyone with allergies can experience anaphylaxis.

National Library of Medicine(NLM).

In people with allergies, the immune system attacks a benign substance, like food or tree pollen.

Heres what happens during anaphylaxis:

First, you are exposed to an allergen.

Allergens are essentially substances that trigger an allergic response in your body.

They can be ingested, touched, injected, or inhaled, according to theAAFA.

Your body reacts, setting off a wave of symptoms.

Severe itchiness of the eyes or face usually sets in first, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Your immune system tries to course-correct.

Sometimes mild anaphylactic symptoms subside without treatment.

In other cases your situation can worsen, potentially leading to shock.

Your symptoms improve after treatment.

Acting quickly is critical during anaphylaxis.

The most important thing is to administer epinephrine ASAP, Dr. Pongdee says.

Do not delay using epinephrine.

Typically, symptoms improve within 15 minutes of the injection, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Call 911 immediately if epinephrine isnt available.

Additional treatments may be necessary, depending on the situation.

There’s a misconception that emergency care is needed because epinephrine is dangerous, which is untrue.

Unfortunately, most allergens arent 100% avoidable, but it’s possible for you to take precautionary measures.

Identifying your allergy triggers is an important first step, but doing so isnt always an easy process.

In some circumstances, the trigger is elusive and unknown and is referred to as idiopathic.