Symptoms of allergic reactions.
Recognize these warning signs early — quick treatment leads to better outcomes and can be life-saving.
Common causes.
Understanding what's causing your symptoms helps guide the right diagnostic tests and treatment.
- ✓ Food allergens — peanuts, shellfish, eggs, tree nuts
- ✓ Medication allergies — penicillin, NSAIDs, contrast dye
- ✓ Insect stings — bee, wasp, hornet
- ✓ Latex allergy
- ✓ Environmental allergens
- ✓ Idiopathic — unknown trigger
Don't wait. Come now if…
- ▸Throat, tongue, or lip swelling
- ▸Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- ▸Dizziness or fainting after allergen exposure
- ▸Widespread hives combined with any other symptom
- ▸Allergic reaction in a child
- ▸Used an epi-pen — always come to the ER afterward
Not sure? Call us.
Our nurses can help you decide.
Treatments we offer.
Our Fort Worth ER is fully equipped to treat allergic reactions from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis 24/7.
Epinephrine (IM)
First-line treatment for anaphylaxis — administered immediately on arrival when indicated.
IV antihistamines
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and H2 blockers administered IV for rapid, full-body effect.
Corticosteroids
IV or oral steroids to prevent biphasic rebound reactions — a second wave that can occur hours later.
Albuterol nebulizer
Bronchodilator for allergic wheezing or bronchospasm — opens the airways rapidly.
4–6 hour observation
Standard monitoring after anaphylaxis to watch for biphasic reactions before safe discharge.
Epi-pen prescription & referral
Epinephrine auto-injector prescribed at discharge plus referral to an allergist for further evaluation.
Why ER Of Fort Worth for allergic reactions.
Average wait under 10 min
Anaphylaxis is triaged as the highest priority — epinephrine is available and ready the moment you arrive.
Board-certified ER physicians
Every patient is evaluated by an emergency-medicine-trained physician, 24/7. Never a mid-level alone.
On-site imaging & labs
CT, ultrasound and full lab — ruling out complications and confirming severity in one visit.
All major insurance
BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Medicare, Tricare and more. See full list →
Frequently asked questions.
Should I come to the ER after using my epi-pen?
Yes — always. Epinephrine wears off within 15–20 minutes and the reaction can return, sometimes worse. You need monitoring and additional treatment at an ER.
How fast does anaphylaxis develop?
Symptoms can develop within minutes to a couple of hours after exposure, with the most severe reactions typically peaking within 30 minutes. Never wait to see if it gets better on its own.
Will I be prescribed an epi-pen?
Yes. Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction will be discharged with epinephrine auto-injectors and trained on how to use them.
Can you do allergy testing in the ER?
Acute allergy testing isn't done in the ER. We focus on immediate treatment and stabilization, then refer you to an allergist for comprehensive testing and immunotherapy evaluation.
What's the difference between hives and anaphylaxis?
Hives alone are a skin-only reaction. Anaphylaxis involves at least two body systems simultaneously — such as skin plus breathing difficulty, or skin plus a drop in blood pressure — and is a life-threatening emergency.
Allergic reaction care across North Texas.
We serve patients with allergic reactions and anaphylaxis from Fort Worth and surrounding communities including: