Anaphylaxis is a life threatening, often unexpected, allergic reaction that affects many parts of the body at once. Like other allergic reactions, anaphylaxis is the body’s overreaction to a foreign substance that ordinarily is harmless. It occurs suddenly, can worsen quickly and can be deadly. Most often it occurs as the result of an allergic reaction to certain foods, insect stings, some medicines and latex.
There are many different symptoms of an allergic reaction serious enough to require immediate attention. Anaphylaxis is typically characterized by a rapid onset of a combination of systems involving two or more different body systems and may include:
- Skin: flushing, itching, hives
- Ears, Nose, Mouth and Throat: metallic taste, itching or tingling of the mouth, swelling of the lips, throat and tongue
- Lungs: chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath
- GI: nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea
- Cardiovascular: drop in blood pressure, dizziness, cardiac arrest
What Triggers Anaphylaxis?
Medications are the leading cause of anaphylaxis, the major ones being antibiotics, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Food and food additives can also cause anaphylaxis, the most common causes being milk, eggs, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and sulfites. Stinging insects and latex can also cause anaphylaxis.
How Do I Treat Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Epinephrine (adrenalin) is usually given immediately and other medications such as antihistamines and steroids may be administered. The sooner the reaction is treated, the less severe it will be. Once epinephrine is administered, you must seek further medical assistance as the effects of the adrenalin may begin to wear off after 10 to 20 minutes.
How Can I Prevent Anaphylaxis?
Avoidance of the allergen is the best prevention. Unfortunately, with bees flying around, additives in food, and labels that are not always clear, anaphylaxis may occur. If a severe reaction occurs, be sure to seek treatment in order to be prepared in case you are again exposed. Those who know their life-threatening allergies should wear a Medic-Alert bracelet and should know how to administer an epinephrine or adrenaline kit and carry one at all times.
If your child could suffer from anaphylaxis, use our Emergency Treatment for Allergic Reactions sheet to prepare his or her school, babysitter, and others for an emergency.
