I am 55 and have never had an allergic reaction to anything. I just returned from Switzerland and had a terrible allergic reaction to something in one of the duvet. Nothing is open on Sunday. We finally found an Apotheke, but learned a lesson. Always have some Benedrly with you.

Dear Ann<BR>Good advice. I will add that it has to be the full-strength version of Benadryl (or Sudafed, or whatever) with the antihistamine in it; the &quot;non-drowsy&quot; formulations won't help with allergic reactions like the one you described. I'm not normally allergic to most things either, but once had a horrible food reaction in the middle of the night (in Massachusetts) while on a trip one summer. I was miserable all night.<BR>Since then, I always have a couple of non-expired Benadryls in my bag. And in a pinch, it's a sleep aid for me.<BR>Disclaimer: check with your doctor.

And how did you know it was allergic reaction? My son once had what we thought was food allergy - turned out to be skin infection. Difficulty breathing can be heart problem. Add to it a couple of Benadrils putting you to sleep... How can I know if I'm having an alergic reaction to something if I haven't had it before?

Because in my case I broke out into hives and got slightly feverish. Having been perfectly fine before, and knowing that the hives are an allergic symptom, and not having access to a doctor at 2am, I was fairly certain myself what was going on. The symptoms subsided by daybreak. I would not have spent all night being miserable if I'd taken a Benadryl, which by the way I have taken before for cold symptoms with no bad reaction to the medication. I later discussed the problem with my doctor, described in detail what I'd eaten and how I'd reacted, and he agreed with my conclusion that I'd reacted badly to a food I'd never eaten before. Nor since.

I travel with Benydryl, and our physicial prescribes some antibiotic and antibiotic cream for us to take, just in case. As those girl scouts say, &quot;Be prepared!&quot;

<BR>Wow, that's something I have never thought of, and I travel a lot. Thanks, Ann.

Benadryl is very effective for the type of allergic reaction you describe, Ann. Some other signs of histamine activity are swollen or itchy eyes, and runny nose. Difficulty breathing and wheezing should be treated as a sign of medical emergency (need more than an otc drug). Talk to your pharmacist beforehand for drug interactions etc. <BR><BR>Of note too, an allergic reaction can be brought on after eating something you are &quot;used to&quot; and doesn't have to come from a first-time exposure. And subsequent re-exposures can produce a more severe response each time, so it's good if you can isolate the cause.

I have been taking benedryl on every trip ever since I got sun poisoning a few years ago while in the Caribbean. I had never had this happen before, and the benedryl really helped clear up the rash.

You could buy Zyrtec and claritin over the counter in Europe w/o the drowsiness.

I am travelling to Europe after the new year. What other brand besides Benadryl that doesnt have the drowsy effect on you.Isnt Benadryl a cough medicine also?. I never thought it could be a allergic medicine before.

Meeting friends for dinner one night, trying a new restaurant, tasting something one of the others had, discovered it contained shrimp. How did I find out? Before dinner was over, the hives popped out! Thank God the pharmacy on the corner was open. Lesson learned: Carry Benadryl with me at all times.