When you get an allergic reaction to something does it cause you to have a fever?

Not usually. Usually, an allergic reaction doesn't include fever. Things like hay fever and contact dermatitis (when you touch something and it induces a reaction, like a metal allergy or poison ivy) will induce discomfort but not generally a noticeable fever.An allergic response is pretty much an immune response gone awry.

The immune system recognizes something benign (like pollen or pet dander) as a threat and begins to mount a response. As these allergens are usually present in large doses, the body has problems clearing them and begins to treat the allergen like a parasite, making a large antibody called IgE. IgE then binds to mast cells and activates them causing them to release histamine, which induces redness locally (like with insect bites) and leaky vessels wherever the allergen is sensed.

If the allergen is localized (again, like with an insect bite) this induces swelling. If the allergen is more widely distributed (like with hay fever), coughing, runny nose, a sore throat, and watery eyes occur. If the allergen is present systemically (like with bee stings or peanut allergies), the vessel walls loose their integrity which causes blood pressure to drop and leads to systemic anaphylaxis, which is potentially life threatening.

I won't say that a fever is never present, but it's not usually a main symptom. If you have a runny nose and fever you probably have either a cold or a flu, especially if symptoms go away in about a week. If you have a runny nose and no fever, and the symptoms last longer than a week, you probably have allergies.

Sources: 4 years of grad school .

Never Many allergy symptoms may be similar to symptoms that you would experience with a cold or flu but you will never experience a fever with an allergic reaction. Symptom checker: Is it a cold or an allergy? Symptom Cold Allergies Cough Usually Sometimes General aches and pains Sometimes Never Fatigue Sometimes Sometimes Itchy eyes Rarely Usually Sneezing Usually Usually Sore throat Usually Sometimes Runny nose Usually Usually Stuffy nose Usually Usually Fever Rarely Never Sources: mayoclinic.com/health/common-cold/AN01229 .

Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe, potentially fatal, systemic allergic reaction that can involve various areas of the body (such as the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system). Symptoms occur within minutes to two hours after contact with the allergy-causing substance but, in rare instances, may occur up to four hours later. Anaphylactic reactions can be mild to life threatening.

The annual incidence of anaphylactic reactions is about 30 per 100,000 persons, and individuals with asthma, eczema, or hay fever are at greater relative risk of experiencing anaphylaxis. See what happens inside the body during a food-allergic reaction. What are the common causes of anaphylaxis?

Common causes of anaphylaxis include:# Food# Medication# Insect stings# LatexLess common causes include:# Food-Dependent Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis# Idiopathic AnaphylaxisWho is at risk for having an anaphylactic reaction? Anyone with a previous history of anaphylactic reactions is at risk for another severe reaction. Individuals with food allergies (particularly allergies to shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts) and asthma may be at increased risk for having a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

A recent study showed that teens with food allergy and asthma appear to be at highest risk for a reaction because they are more likely to dine away from home, they are less likely to carry medications, and they may ignore or not recognize symptoms. What are the symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction? An anaphylactic reaction may begin with a tingling sensation, itching, or metallic taste in the mouth.

Other symptoms can include hives, a sensation of warmth, asthma symptoms, swelling of the mouth and throat area, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. These symptoms may begin in as little as five to 15 minutes to up to two hours after exposure to the allergen, but life-threatening reactions may progress over hours. Some individuals have a reaction, and the symptoms go away only to return two to three hours later.

This is called a "biphasic reaction. " Often the symptoms occur in the respiratory tract and take the individual by surprise. Causes of AnaphylaxisFoodPeanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, cashews, etc. ), shellfish, fish, milk, and eggs commonly cause anaphylactic reactions.

Only a trace amount of a problem food can cause a reaction in some individuals.In the United States, food-induced anaphylaxis is believed to cause about 30,000 trips to the emergency room and between 150 to 200 deaths each year. Individuals who are allergic to foods and have asthma are believed to be at a higher risk for developing an anaphylactic reaction. A study of 32 cases of fatal food-allergy induced anaphylaxis showed that adolescents who have peanut and tree nut allergy and asthma, and who don't have quick access to epinephrine during a reaction, are at highest risk for a fatal reaction.

Strict avoidance of the allergen is necessary for avoiding a severe reaction. Read food labels for every food each and every time you eat it. Ask questions about ingredients and preparation methods when eating away from home.

Learn more about food allergy. MedicationAnaphylactic reactions to medication will typically occur within an hour after taking the drug; however, reactions may occur several hours later. It is estimated that up to 10 percent of the population may be at risk for allergic reactions to medications.

According to literature from The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, "The chances of developing an allergic reaction may be increased if the drug is given frequently, in large doses, or by injection rather than by pill. The most important factor may be an inherited genetic tendency of the immune system to develop allergies. Contrary to popular myth, however, a family history of allergy to a specific drug does not mean that a patient has an increased chance of reacting to the same drug."

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking medication, speak to your doctor. If symptoms are severe, or resemble anaphylaxis, get emergency medical help immediately. For additional information about medication allergy, visit The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Insect StingHoneybees, bumblebees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, fire ants, and harvester ants are the most common causes of insect stings in the United States. (View pictures of these insects). The symptoms of anaphylactic reactions to insect stings usually occur within minutes of the sting.

Insect sting reactions can range from local to mild to life threatening. Local reactions can involve swelling of an area larger than the sting site (i.e. , the entire arm can be swollen after a sting on the hand).

This type of reaction may also include nausea and low-grade fever. Insect stings account for about 50 deaths each year. To minimize the risk of an insect sting, avoid brightly colored clothing and/or scented cosmetics, perfumes, and so forth; avoid walking barefoot; use caution when cooking outdoors; and keep insecticide handy when working outdoors.

LatexLatex allergy is most commonly diagnosed in individuals who are exposed to latex frequently, such as those employed in the health care or rubber industry fields and children with spina bifida and other congenital diseases requiring multiple surgeries. An estimated 1% of the U.S. population has latex allergy. Approximately 10% to 17% of those employed in the health care occupations have this allergy.

Some individuals with latex allergy will also develop reactions when eating foods that cross-react with latex. These foods commonly include bananas, kiwi, avocados, and European chestnuts; and they less commonly include potatoes; tomatoes; and peaches, plums, cherries, and other pitted fruits. For additional information about latex allergy, visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Food-Dependent, Exercise-Induced AnaphylaxisFood-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis is very rare and occurs only when an individual eats a specific food and exercises within three to four hours after eating. Individuals experiencing this type of reaction typically have asthma and other allergic conditions. Although any food may contribute to this form of anaphylaxis, foods that have been reported include wheat, shellfish, fruit, milk, celery, and fish.

Food-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis appears to be twice as common in females as it is in males and is common in individuals who are in their late teens to thirties. Idiopathic AnaphylaxisIdiopathic anaphylaxis is a severe reaction in which no cause can be determined. It can affect individuals of all ages, although females are affected much more frequently than males.As with other forms of anaphylaxis, idiopathic anaphylaxis can be life threatening.

Prophylactic daily treatment with a combination of medications can control the symptoms, and most episodes of idiopathic anaphylaxis subside spontaneously after several months or years. TreatmentWhat medication is used to treat an anaphylactic reaction? Epinephrine is the drug of choice for treating an anaphylactic reaction.

It works to reverse the symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction and helps prevent the progression of it. It is available via prescription as self-injectable epinephrine (EpiPen® or Twinject®). It is important to administer epinephrine as soon as one detects the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

In addition to epinephrine, what other medications are used? Antihistamines, such as Benadryl®, and steroids are often used to further improve the recovery of a person with an anaphylactic reaction. Antihistamines and asthma medications may be administered with epinephrine, but never instead of epinephrine, because they cannot reverse many of the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Are the self-dissolve tablets of antihistamine acceptable to use in place of liquid? Are any slower or faster than liquid? There are no studies comparing these different preparations, but self-dissolve tablets should work about as quickly as liquid.

We do not recommend regular pills or capsules because they may be hard to swallow and may take longer to be absorbed.(Excerpted from Food Allergy News Vol. 15, No.6)3 R's for treating anaphylaxis * Recognize symptoms. * React quickly.

* Review what happened and be sure to prevent it from reoccurring. Steps for treating an anaphylactic reactionIf you suspect an anaphylactic reaction is occurring, don't lose precious time! Do the following: * Act quickly!

* Follow your physician's instructions for treatment.. * Call Emergency Medical Services (or 911) and request epinephrine. Do not attempt to drive yourself to a medical facility. Get to a hospital as soon as possible and plan to stay at least 4 to 6 hours in case symptoms return.

How to Use an EpiPen® and EpiPen® Jr.How to Use Twinject® 0.30mg and Twinject® 0.15mgHow You Can Protect Yourself * Speak to your doctor or allergist if you've had a severe reaction to a food, insect sting, medication, latex or if you've experienced a reaction after exercising. Educate others about your allergy (i.e. , what you need to avoid, the symptoms of an allergic reaction, and how others can help during an allergic emergency).

* If prescribed, carry self-injectable epinephrine (EpiPen® or Twinject®) at all times. * Teach yourself and others how to use the epinephrine kit. Practice until it becomes second nature.

* Wear a MedicAlert® bracelet or necklace noting your allergy. Sources: http://www.foodallergy.org/anaphylaxis/index.html .

1 catnapped, regarding your answer "Most definitely can cause a fever--and even worse, can occasionally be life-threatening or even fatal": While allergies can certainly be fatal they usually do not include a fever - other drastic symptoms may occur .

Catnapped, regarding your answer "Most definitely can cause a fever--and even worse, can occasionally be life-threatening or even fatal": While allergies can certainly be fatal they usually do not include a fever - other drastic symptoms may occur.

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