Allergies and heart palpitations

Palpitations may feel like racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipped beats. During an allergic reaction, fear, rapid breathing, dehydration, or the body's stress response can make the heartbeat more noticeable. Decongestants found in some cold and allergy products can raise the heart rate, while certain antihistamines may affect heart rhythm in susceptible people or when combined with other medicines. Palpitations can also have an unrelated cause, such as anaemia, thyroid overactivity, low blood glucose, anxiety, or an abnormal rhythm.

Stop what you are doing, sit down, and note when the sensation started, how it feels, and whether it follows a medicine dose, caffeine, exercise, or an allergen exposure. Check the package ingredients before taking another dose; products with a decongestant deserve particular attention. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without medical advice. Arrange a clinical review if episodes recur, last longer, or began after starting a new product. Bring a list of medicines, supplements, inhalers, and energy drinks to the appointment.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, confusion, or a heartbeat that remains very fast and makes you unwell. Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, wheezing, widespread hives with dizziness, or collapse can indicate anaphylaxis and needs immediate emergency treatment. Use your prescribed adrenaline auto-injector promptly if your allergy plan tells you to, then call emergency services even if symptoms begin to improve.

Ask whether the timing suggests a medicine effect, whether an electrocardiogram or blood tests are appropriate, and which allergy products are suitable with your health conditions. Mention any family history of rhythm problems, episodes during exercise, fainting, or known heart disease. If an allergen appears to trigger symptoms, ask for a written action plan that clearly distinguishes mild allergy symptoms from an emergency reaction.