Allergy and allergic reaction: what is it, how to prevent it abroad, and what to do about it while traveling?

What is an allergy?

In an allergic reaction, your body's immune system overreacts to the presence of an allergen.
An allergen is a foreign substance, usually a protein but sometimes a small molecule bound to a protein.
Common allergies include: hay fever, house dust mite allergy, food allergy, and pet allergy.

Allergic reactions vary greatly and depend on the type of allergy and the severity of your allergy.
Common symptoms include red eyes, runny nose, itching, and skin rash.
One of the most severe forms of allergic reactions is anaphylactic shock; in this acute, life-threatening bodily reaction, the airways narrow, among other things. Anaphylactic shock occurs in cases of severe food allergy, various insect allergies (particularly stinging insects), latex allergy, and allergy to certain medications.

You run an increased risk abroad, particularly with food allergies, because you will more often eat somewhere where the ingredients are not entirely clear, or you may be unable to clearly explain exactly what you are allergic to in the local language.
In many countries, the risk of cross-contamination in food is higher due to less careful handling of allergens in the kitchen.
While traveling, you will eat, smell, and touch new things: the chance that you suddenly turn out to be allergic to a certain tropical fruit, exotic seafood, or a local herb is always present, but greater for people who already have certain sensitivities at home.
Different insects live abroad, and you will only discover during your trip whether you are allergic to the bites and stings of those insects.
The same applies to pet allergies; abroad, you might come into contact with, for example, horses or parrots for the first time and experience an allergic reaction.

For hay fever, the choice of season and your travel destination have the greatest impact.
For food allergies, cooking at home is usually the safest solution; eating in more Western restaurants can help prevent an allergic reaction.
Are you going to work with animals abroad? If in doubt, look for that animal at an animal shelter before you leave home. Working with furry animals carries a higher risk of an allergic reaction than working with, for example, turtles or other reptiles.
Avoid frequent exposure to fragrances and flavorings in cosmetics, cleaning products, and air fresheners, for instance, as this can cause a perfume allergy.

Avoid: when you experience local symptoms, it is best to start avoiding the (possible) allergen. If your symptoms are not severe, you can try to identify which allergen is bothering you by selectively avoiding certain products or animals. In case of severe symptoms, a visit to a doctor is recommended to quickly determine which allergy you may have unknowingly brought with you on your trip.
Medication: People with hay fever or a pre-existing allergy often have extensive experience with antihistamines or corticosteroids. When traveling, be sure to bring whatever you have had good experiences with.
Note: some strong corticosteroids can cause problems at the border due to local legislation.

Have you run out of medication? For common allergies, remedies for your allergy are often available at the drugstore or pharmacy. Ask for a product with the same active ingredient as you use at home, or ensure you have discussed with your GP which alternative will be most suitable for you.
You are more likely to be able to buy corticosteroid-based products at a pharmacy than at a drugstore.
It varies greatly by country which remedies are available with or without a doctor's prescription; discuss this with your doctor beforehand if necessary.

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