What is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis, likewise known as anaphylactic shock, is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. This extreme allergic reaction can happen within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you’re allergic to, such as peanuts, latex, or bee stings.
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
The symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary from mild to severe and can quickly escalate. They typically include:
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- A feeling of tightness in the chest or throat
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat—what doctors call angioedema
- A rapid drop in blood pressure, making you feel dizzy or faint
- An itchy red rash, known as hives or urticaria
- A feeling of impending doom
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
It’s crucial to take these symptoms seriously, as they can worsen swiftly and may become fatal if not treated promptly.
Causes of Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis happens when your immune system responds to an allergen as if it’s a serious threat. Common triggers include:
- Foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, fish, and eggs
- Medications, both over-the-counter and prescription
- Insect stings from bees, wasps, or hornets
- Latex or other substances you might touch
Treating Anaphylaxis
If anaphylaxis kicks in, the go-to treatment is an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline), which you must administer right away. You might know this medication by the brand name EpiPen. Epinephrine works to reverse the symptoms by opening the airways and stabilizing blood pressure.
After you use epinephrine, you still need to go to the hospital even if you feel better because sometimes symptoms can return. That’s why you often hear about people carrying an EpiPen with them—they know how quickly anaphylaxis can strike and how swiftly they need to act.
Preventing Anaphylaxis
To prevent anaphylaxis, steer clear of known triggers. If you’ve had an allergic reaction before, your doctor might recommend carrying an EpiPen. You should also wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a card that describes your allergy so that in an emergency, others will know how to help you.
For some people, an allergist might suggest something called immunotherapy. This involves small, controlled exposures to the allergen to help your body get used to it and not overreact.
Living with Anaphylaxis
If you’re at risk for anaphylaxis, it’s essential to be always prepared. This means:
- Always have your EpiPen on hand
- Letting friends, family, and coworkers know about your allergies and how to use the EpiPen
- Reading food labels carefully to avoid allergens
- Being cautious when eating out and always informing the staff about your allergies
Awareness and quick action can make all the difference in handling anaphylaxis. Always have your plan ready, and don’t hesitate to use your EpiPen at the first sign of a reaction.
