A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm having an allergic reaction" in Spanish
Learn how to say 'I'm having an allergic reaction' in Spanish to clearly communicate a medical emergency and get immediate help.
Estoy teniendo una reacción alérgica.
eh-STOY teh-NYEHN-doh OO-nah reh-ahk-SYOHN ah-LEHR-hee-kahneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase immediately if you consume something you are allergic to or get stung by an insect and need to alert bystanders or medical staff. It is vital for situations where your throat is swelling, hives are appearing, or you need someone to locate your epinephrine auto-injector. Do not hesitate to say this to anyone nearby if you feel your condition worsening rapidly.
Alternatives
- Soy alérgico a esto.better if you want to state a pre-existing allergy before or just as symptoms start
- No puedo respirar.better if the allergic reaction is severely constricting your airway and you need to specify the exact danger
- Necesito mi EpiPen.better if you have an auto-injector on you and need someone to help you retrieve or administer it
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'constipado' for congestion
In Spanish, 'constipado' means having a cold, but it sounds like the English word for bowel issues, so stick to 'congestionado' if your allergy affects your sinuses.
Mispronouncing the 'g' in alérgica
English speakers often use a soft 'j' sound like in 'George', but the Spanish 'g' before an 'i' sounds like a breathy English 'h'.
A small cultural note
In many Latin American countries, severe food allergies are less commonly understood in traditional restaurants than in the US or Europe, so stating your reaction clearly and firmly is necessary to convey the gravity of the situation.
Frequently asked
How do you tell a waiter you have a severe food allergy in Spanish?
You should say 'Tengo una alergia severa a...' followed by the ingredient, such as 'los cacahuates' for peanuts. Always emphasize that it is life-threatening by adding 'Es una cuestión de vida o muerte'.
What is the Spanish word for emergency room?
The emergency room or department is called 'la sala de urgencias' or simply 'urgencias' in most Spanish-speaking hospitals. If you need to go there immediately, you can tell a taxi driver, 'Lléveme a urgencias, por favor'.
How do I ask someone to call an ambulance in Spanish?
To get immediate emergency services, look at someone and say '¡Llame a una ambulancia, por favor!'. You can also call the local emergency number yourself, which is 911 in many Latin American countries like Mexico.
