Anaphylaxis: What You Should Know

A Life-Threatening Emergency: An Overview of Anaphylaxis

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis, also known as anaphylactic shock, is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. It is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction, which occurs when the immune system hyper-reacts to an allergen. This reaction can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen and can be fatal.

Symptoms of an Anaphylactic Reaction

The most common symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction include: hives, swelling of the face, lips or mouth, tightness in chest, difficulty breathing, coughing or wheezing, abdominal pain or cramping, vomiting, and a drop in blood pressure. In some cases, a person may experience lightheadedness or faintness and loss of consciousness, or even cardiac arrest if the reaction is severe.

What Causes Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is caused by exposure to an allergen. Common allergens and triggers are insect stings or bites, medications, foods, and latex. Different individuals are sensitive to different allergens so it's important to know what your triggers are.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you experience one or more of the symptoms listed above, seek medical attention immediately. An anaphylactic reaction should always be considered a medical emergency and treated as such. Your doctor can perform tests to determine the cause of your reaction and determine appropriate treatment.

Treatment for anaphylaxis typically includes the use of an epinephrine auto-injector and supportive care. An auto-injector is a device that delivers epinephrine, or adrenaline, directly into the muscle, which helps to reverse the allergic reaction. In addition, your doctor may recommend a follow-up plan for continued care and monitoring.

Preventing Anaphylaxis

It is important to identify and avoid potential allergens and triggers to prevent anaphylaxis. Depending on the cause of your reaction, your doctor may recommend an anaphylaxis prevention plan and refer you to an allergist for more specialized care. Some potential measures may include carrying an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times, wearing an alert bracelet that identifies your condition, and avoiding foods, medications, or insect stings and bites that trigger your reaction.

Conclusion

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause serious, long-term medical problems. Learning to identify and recognize the symptoms, as well as ways to avoid allergen exposure, is critically important. If you experience any of the symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.