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 Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that affects many parts of the body at once and although an Anaphylaxis reaction can be fatal, not all reactions are as severe.
An Anaphylaxis reaction can occur within minutes or hours of contacting an allergen or trigger, such as food, an insect bite or sting or certain drugs or medications. Severe symptoms can include Anaphylactic shock or seizure and mild symptoms can include spots, hives, swelling etc.
Anaphylaxis can be frightening when it is encountered but it is important to stay calm and ensure it is treated as soon as possible. Some symptoms which may be experienced during an anaphylactic reaction include;
- Hives that appear on the body or rapidly spread throughout the body.
- Persistent coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness.
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, eyes, hands, feet or genitals.
- Difficulty swallowing, talking or throat tightness.
- Red, watery eyes.
- Rapid or increased heart rate.
- Runny nose or sneezing.
- Itchiness.
- Redness or flushing in different areas of the body.
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Weakness, dizziness or feeling faint.
- Collapse, seizure or loss of consciousness.
As mentioned above, no matter what the symptoms may be, treatment should be given to the patient as quickly as possible. Typical treatment involves administering epinephrine (adrenaline) as soon as possible and then getting the patient to hospital quickly.
Common allergens which can cause an nnaphylactic response include;
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Shellfish
- Exercise
- Insect stings
- Types of antibiotics
- Latex rubber
Anaphylaxis is rare, but most people know of someone who is at risk from an anaphylactic attack so prevention and rapid treatment is the key.
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