Acute symptoms · Berlin
Acute allergic reaction
Acute allergic reaction is an acute medical condition that RAB Arztbesuche treats with a licensed physician on a home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
An acute allergic reaction can stay harmless or turn life-threatening — the margin is narrow. Swelling, itching rash, scratchy throat, breathlessness. Our specialist physicians come daily from 6 am to midnight, assess severity and treat on site unless an emergency requires hospital care.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Acute allergy in Berlin — the house call in the first hours
Allergic reactions are everyday in Berlin — pollen in spring, wasp stings in summer, food reactions, new medication. Most reactions stay cutaneous: wheals (urticaria), itch, redness. Unpleasant but treatable. The critical question in the first minutes is: is this purely cutaneous — or is a systemic reaction developing with airway, circulatory or gut involvement?
On the house call we take time to answer that question cleanly. We measure vital signs, observe the course, check mouth and throat, auscultate the lungs and decide on site whether outpatient care is safe or whether hospital observation is warranted.
What happens during the house call
We ask about trigger, time course, history of allergic reactions and current medication. We examine skin and mucous membranes, check breathing and circulation, measure blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation. For pure urticaria or mild angioedema we administer an antihistamine (dimetindene, cetirizine) IV or orally and steroids if needed. For moderate reactions we add subcutaneous adrenaline if no contraindications, and arrange hospital observation. For classical anaphylaxis we direct you straight to the ER or 112 and stay in phone contact until the ambulance team arrives.
After the acute phase — work-up and emergency plan
After any relevant reaction the question arises: what was the trigger, what happens next time, do you need an adrenaline autoinjector? We discuss allergy testing with an allergologist, issue a referral and hand over a written emergency plan — what to do in case of another reaction, when to call 112. Where indicated we prescribe an adrenaline autoinjector for self-use and explain how to apply it.
How the house call works
On first contact we screen for signs of systemic reaction. With suspected anaphylaxis we direct you to 112 and support by phone. Otherwise we dispatch the next available specialist — typically a 60- to 90-minute arrival.
On site we examine, treat with antihistamines and steroids as needed and stay for at least 30 to 60 minutes for observation. You receive a written emergency plan and recommendations for allergology follow-up.
Billing and insurance
We bill according to the German private medical fee schedule (GOÄ) via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle. House call, examination, administered medication and consumables are itemised separately. German private health insurance and Beihilfe schemes typically reimburse these positions in full.
We can issue an English invoice on request and remain reachable by phone for billing questions after the visit.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Case profiles
Typical scenarios
Wasp sting with angioedema
A patient in Kreuzberg is stung by a wasp on the neck; the lid swells rapidly, the throat feels furry. We come, assess breathing and mucous membranes and treat stepwise.
Food reaction in a known allergic patient
A patient in Mitte has wheals all over after accidentally eating a nut. We administer antihistamines, observe and review the emergency plan.
Urticaria of unclear cause
A patient in Wilmersdorf has itchy wheals for hours. We treat symptomatically and issue a referral for allergological work-up.
Suspected anaphylaxis — 112 right away
Breathlessness, hoarseness, swelling of throat or tongue belongs to 112. We help by phone to triage the picture until the ambulance team arrives.
Frequently asked questions
Should I just take an antihistamine?
For mild urticaria yes — cetirizine or loratadine make sense. For throat or facial swelling, breathlessness or circulatory symptoms an antihistamine alone is not enough.
What if I have an adrenaline pen?
With clear anaphylaxis features — breathlessness, throat swelling, circulatory symptoms — use it immediately, then call 112. No hesitation. Even after successful use you must go to hospital because late reactions are possible.
Can the doctor issue an emergency plan?
Yes. After any relevant reaction you receive a written emergency plan and a recommendation for allergological work-up.
Will you prescribe an adrenaline pen?
With clear indication yes. We discuss use and storage and issue the prescription.
Book now or call
Get in touch — we will arrange a doctor for your house call regarding Acute allergic reaction.