I've always had some kind of food allergies. Melons, nuts, etc...Yesterday I popped in my mouth only a few pretzels, and all of a sudden my cheeks and tongue felt like they were filling up my mouth. This is like nothing I have ever experienced before.

Feeling similar to the normal allergic itching & swelling I get, the first thing I did was pop a Zyrtec. I felt okay after about an hour, but the cheek swelling lasted about a day.

My doctor said it was probably a food allergy of some sort to a preservative or something. She was, however, disinterested.

What should I do? I'm scared to death that this may happen again, and I may be stuck in a bind somewhere (I travel a lot) without people around me should something happen.

Thanks,
GirlWondering

It probably wouldnt be a bad idea to go see an allergist if you can. They can help determine what it might be and prescribe you an epipen (a carry with you shot of epinephrine in case the anaphylaxic shock begins to tighten your airway and cause you problems breathing)

I had this happen to me a couple of weeks ago and i was in the ER, except it was my eyes and lips- they got HUGE HUGE!

Hi GirlWondering, I hope you are feeling better already from the swelling. Go for a food allergy testing though it is not always 100% that the results are accurate but no harm trying in order to find out what you are allergic to. Once you know what you are allergic to, stop taking the food and avoid it. Swelling can accompany any allergic reaction but it doesn't neccessary mean anaphylaxis. However if you develop symptoms like, difficulty breathing/swallowing, sudden drop of bp, faint, urticaria, swellings, then it is the start of an anaphylatic attack coming. Get to the ER immediately. They will also prescribe you with an Epi-pen(like 'Ryanswife' had explained) in case of future anaphylaxis. It's best to visit an allergist to find out what's wrong or what you are allergic to. Swellings(angioedema) can be controlled by steriods(prednisone) but they aren't very nice drugs. All the best!!!

I have had allergy testing, including foods. This was a few years ago, and it showed some reaction to things like corn & wheat. But nothing was dramatic. Mainly, I am really allergic to ragweed...and something about latex too. My doctor says allergies can change at any time though, but like I said, she brushed it off.

I even had the outdoor allergen test about 6 months ago...

I have had allergy testing, including foods. This was a few years ago, and it showed some reaction to things like corn & wheat. But nothing was dramatic. Mainly, I am really allergic to ragweed...and something about latex too. My doctor says allergies can change at any time though, but like I said, she brushed it off.

I even had the outdoor allergen test about 6 months ago...
Yah, allergies can come and go. Especially the younger ones, they have a tendency to out grow their allergies but not all will. Usually those allergies that people develop when they are already adults, it tends to stay for life. Just remember avoidance is the best way to prevent an allergic reaction. If prevention is not enough, medications can be used to prevent a reaction. all the best!