Anaphylaxis - A Severe Allergic Reaction
Anaphylaxis(against protection) is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. It affects a number of different areas of the bodyat one time. It is often triggered by substances that are injected or ingested and thereby gains access into the blood stream.
Common causes of anaphylaxis include:
* Food
* Medication
* Insect stings
* Latex
Food allergy is believed to be the leading cause of anaphylaxis according to some reliable source.
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
The symptoms of anaphylaxis usually start between three and 60 minutes after contact with the allergen. Less commonly, they can occur a few hours or even days after contact.
When you have an anaphylactic reaction, you may feel unwell or dizzy or may faint because of a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Narrowing of the airways can also occur at the same time, with or without the drop in blood pressure. This can cause breathing difficulties and wheezing.
You may also experience any of the symptoms below:
* swollen eyes, lips, genitals, hands, feet and other areas (this is called angioedema, see useful links),
* itching
* a strange metallic taste in the mouth,
* sore, red, itchy eyes,
* changes in heart rate,
* a sudden feeling of extreme anxiety or apprehension,
* itchy skin or nettle-rash (hives),
* unconsciousness due to very low blood pressure,
* abdominal cramps, vomiting or diarrhoea, or
* nausea and fever.
Anaphylaxis varies in severity. Sometimes it causes only mild itchiness and swelling, but in some people it can cause sudden death.
Anaphylaxis can lead to death if breathing becomes severely obstructed or if blood pressure becomes extremely low (known as shock).
If symptoms start soon after contact with the allergen and rapidly get worse, this indicates that the reaction is more severe.
Treatment for Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis should always be treated as a medical emergency.
Self-Treatment with epinephrine-Epinephrine is the only medicine that completely treats anaphylactic reactions. It is most effective when it is given promptly, before symptoms become severe. Neither antihistamines nor asthma inhalers (puffers) can treat anaphylaxis as effectively as epinephrine, and these medications cannot be substituted for epinephrine.
Remove the cause — The trigger for the anaphylactic reaction should be promptly removed, whenever possible. For example, if you have been stung, dislodge the stinger with the edge of a credit card or coin.
Go to the hospital — After injecting epinephrine, it is important to be evaluated in a hospital emergency department. Up to 20 percent of people with anaphylaxis have a late-phase reaction, without further exposure to the trigger, and might require additional anaphylaxis treatment. There is no good way to predict whether a late-phase reaction will occur.
Anaphylaxis Prevention
Preventing anaphylaxis is the ideal form of treatment. However, that may not always be easy since insect stings are frequently unanticipated and allergic foods are often hidden in a variety of different preparations. A consultation with an allergist is vital in helping you identify the trigger(s) and providing you with information and instruction on how to best avoid them. You will learn how to use emergency kits and how to become prepared for any reaction in the future.
For your safety, you must see an allergist when you have symptoms of anaphylaxis.