ANAPHYLAXIS

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can be caused by exposure to certain allergens. The immune system becomes sensitized to a particular allergen (sensitizing dose), and later exposure to the offending allergen causes a severe, whole body allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is triggered when the immune system overreacts to a usually harmless substance (an allergen such as peanut or penicillin) causing mild to severe symptoms that affect various parts of the body. Symptoms usually appear within minutes to a few hours after eating a food, swallowing medication or being stung by an insect. Sometimes symptoms go away, and then return a few hours later, so it is important to get to a hospital (call 911) or seek medical care as soon as an anaphylactic reaction begins and to remain under medical observation for as long as the reaction and symptoms continue.

Based on the variety of different definitions, between 1% and 15% of the U.S. can be considered "at risk" for having an anaphylactic reaction if they are exposed to one or more allergens. Most successfully avoid their allergens and will never experience anaphylaxis.

What are common symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Symptoms normally occur within seconds to minutes, but can occur hours later after the exposure to the allergen. They include the following:

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds

• Anxiety (impending sense of doom)

• Chest pain/tightness

• Confusion

• Cough

• Cramping of the uterus

• Diarrhea

• Difficulty breathing

• Difficulty swallowing

• Fainting, light-headedness, dizziness

• Headache

• Hives, itchiness

• Hoarse voice

• Itchy mouth/throat

• Itchy/red/watery eyes

• Low blood pressure

• Nasal congestion /stuffiness

• Nausea, vomiting

• Pale/blue color

• Rash

• Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)

• Shock

• Shortness of breath

• Skin redness

• Slurred speech

• Swelling

• Wheezing

What is the treatment for anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency condition requiring immediate medical attention. Patients with known severe allergic reactions may carry Epi-Pen or other allergy medications and should be aided if needed.

Ephinephrine should be injected into the thigh muscle immediately to open the airways and raise blood pressure through the tightening of the blood vessels. Shock is treated by through intravenous fluids and medications that support the heart and circulatory system.

How can I prevent anaphylactic shock?

The patient should try to avoid known allergens and should be monitored if experiencing an allergic reaction. On occasion, after being pretreated with corticosteroids and antihistamines, patients who have a history of drug allergies may safely be given the medication causing the allergic reaction.

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