What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock is a rare but
serious condition, it is the end result of a severe allergic reaction.
The reaction affects the whole body, causing a sudden drop in blood
pressure and narrowing of the airways.
What causes anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is caused by an extreme sensitivity to an allergen.
The most common allergens which cause anaphylaxis are peanuts,
tree nuts, bee/wasp
stings or a drug, such as the antibiotic penicillin. For
more information on food allergies click
here.
It is unknown why some people get anaphylaxis and
others don't, however, it usually happens to people who are known to
have allergies.
How do I know if I'm at risk of anaphylaxis?
If you have previously suffered from a bad allergic reaction,
then a future reaction may also be severe. If you ever experience any
allergy symptoms (especially after eating nuts), no matter how mild,
then this should be regarded as a possible warning sign of a more severe
allergic reaction and you should seek your doctors advice. Allergic
reactions are unpredictable and can vary in severity from one time to
the next.
What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?
The symptoms of anaphylaxis normally begin within
minutes of exposure or contact to the allergen and can be quite rapid,
though in some situations this process can take hours. Symptoms of anaphylaxis
could include any of the following:
- Swelling and itching in the
mouth and throat
- A rash, anywhere on the body
and the skin may appear flushed.
- Difficulty in swallowing or speaking.
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Feeling of 'impending doom'.
- A drop in blood pressure,
which makes the person feel weak
- Collapse and unconsciousness.
You may not necessarily experience all of the symptoms
above and some people may only ever have mild symptoms, for example
they may just notice a tingling or itching in the mouth. This can be
treated with oral antihistamines.
However, you should still seek your doctors advice because next time
the reaction could be more severe.
Can anaphylaxis be diagnosed?
There are tests available to diagnose what specific allergens
you are allergic to but as yet there is no perfect way of measuring
an individual's potential for a severe allergic reaction. For more information
on allergy tests read the section "How are
allergies diagnosed?" on the allergies
page.
What is the treatment for anaphylaxis?
The best treatment for anaphylaxis is avoiding the allergen
to which you are allergic, especially if you have had a previous serious
reaction. Please read the individual subjects on food
allergies and insect
bites for more tips on avoiding specific allergens.
It is important that if a person is suffering with
anaphylaxis that they get immediate treatment with adrenaline (also
named epinephrine) the minute a serious reaction is suspected. The adrenaline
injection will raise the blood pressure, stimulate the heartbeat, relieve
breathing difficulties and reduce swelling. In order for the treatment
to be effective it must be administered very quickly. If you have had
a previous serious reaction or your doctor suspects you are at risk
of one, then you should be given a pre-loaded adrenaline injection to
carry. You must ensure that you always have the adrenaline kit with
you and make sure you are comfortable using the one that has been prescribed
to you. If you are unsure speak to your doctor for advice or ask for
a different kind.
Adrenaline treatments you could be given may include
the following:
- Medihaler-Epi - if
the symptoms include swelling of the mouth a treatment called a Medihaler-Epi
should be used. A Medihaler-Epi is an aerosol containing adrenaline,
the requirement is usually 4 puffs sprayed into the mouth. This type
of treatment is not suitable for widespread allergic reactions.
- Epipens - the treatment
of severe allergic reactions to foods has been revolutionised by the
introduction of the Epipen auto-injector. This device has a spring-activated
needle and is designed to deliver a single 0.3mg dose of adrenaline
into your muscle when the pen is pushed into your skin.
- Min-i-jets - the Min-i-jet
works in the same way as the Epipen but consists of a 1ml disposable
syringe and needle. The dose will need to be measured accurately,
as a full syringe will deliver 1mg of adrenaline.
The majority of food allergy sufferers prefer the
use of the Epipen due to the ease and the simplicity. There is no visible
needle and the device has a shelf-life of 2 years compared to 9 months
for the Mini-i-jet. In some cases a single dose of the Epipen may not
prove enough to treat severe reactions, you should always carry two
Epipens as a safety measure. If you are at risk from severe allergic
reactions then you must carry medications around at all times.
If you have suffered this kind of severe allergic
reaction you should still go to a hospital for observation, or call
an ambulance.
Your doctor should also give you an emergency card or
bracelet, which you should always carry to alert others to your allergy.
You should also inform those around you at work and home of your allergy.
Show them where you keep your medicine and how to use it in case of
an emergency. Make sure your medicine is always in easy access and that
the expiry date has not passed.
If you believe you or someone else is having this
severe reaction you should first try and administer adrenaline. Don't
kid yourself of the symptoms, if you think you are beginning to show
the signs of a severe reaction, reach for the adrenaline injection.
If there is none available then call an ambulance or if closer get to
a hospital or GP's clinic as soon as you can.
Related topics
Allergies
Food
Allergies
Insect
Bites & Pet Allergies
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