Anaphylaxis (an-ah-fi-LAK-sis) is a medical emergency. It can be very serious if not treated quickly. It is important that all of us are aware of the symptoms of an anaphylaxis reaction , and how to react.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you are allergic to, such as peanuts or bee stings. Anaphylaxis causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock — blood pressure drops suddenly, and the airways narrow blocking breathing.
Triggers of anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is the result of the immune system, the body’s natural defence system, overreacting to a trigger.
This is often something you are allergic to, but not always.
Common anaphylaxis triggers include:
• foods – including nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, eggs and some fruits
• medicines – including some antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin
• insect stings – particularly wasp and bee stings
• general anaesthetic
• contrast agents – dyes used in some medical tests to help certain areas of your body show up better on scans
• latex – a type of rubber found in some rubber gloves and condoms
In some cases, there is no obvious trigger. This is known as idiopathic anaphylaxis.
What are some symptoms of anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis symptoms usually occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Sometimes, however, anaphylaxis can occur a half-hour or longer after exposure. In rare cases, anaphylaxis may be delayed for hours. Signs and symptoms include:
• Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Constriction of the airways and a swollen tongue or throat which can cause wheezing
• A weak and rapid pulse
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Dizziness or fainting, feeling lightheaded or faint
• breathing difficulties – such as fast, shallow breathing
• wheezing
• a fast heartbeat
• clammy skin
• confusion and anxiety
• collapsing or losing consciousness
What to do if someone has anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and urgent treatment is needed.
If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis:
1. Use an adrenaline auto-injector if the person has one – but make sure you know how to use it correctly first.
2. Call 911 for an ambulance immediately (even if he/ she they starts to feel better) – Mention that you think the person has anaphylaxis.
3. Remove any trigger if possible – for example, carefully remove any stinger stuck in the skin.
4. Lie the person down and raise his/her legs – unless he/she is are having breathing difficulties and need to sit up to help him/her breathe. If she is pregnant, lie her down on her left side.
5. Give another injection after 5 minutes if the symptoms do not improve and a second auto-injector is available.
If you are having an anaphylactic reaction, you can follow the above steps yourself if you feel able to.
Prevention
If you have a serious allergy, or have experienced anaphylaxis before, it is important to try to prevent future episodes. The best way to prevent anaphylaxis is to stay away from substances that cause this severe reaction.
The following can help reduce your risk:
• Identify any triggers.
• If you have food allergies, carefully read the labels of all the foods you buy and eat. Manufacturing processes can change, so it’s important to periodically recheck the labels of foods you commonly eat.
• Be sure to alert all your providers to medication reactions you’ve had.
• Wear a medical alert necklace or bracelet to indicate you have an allergy to specific drugs or other substances.
• Always carry 2 in-date adrenaline auto-injectors – Give yourself an injection whenever you think you may be experiencing anaphylaxis, even if you are not completely sure.
Coping
Having a potentially life-threatening reaction is frightening whether it happens to you, others close to you or your child. Developing an anaphylaxis emergency action plan can help put your mind at ease.
Work with your own or your child’s medically trained doctor to develop this written, step-by-step, plan of what to do in the event of a reaction. Then share the plan with teachers, babysitters and other caregivers.
If your child has a severe allergy, or has had anaphylaxis, talk to the school nurse and teachers to find out what plans they have for dealing with an emergency. Make sure school officials have a current autoinjector.
Conclusion
Anaphylaxis is when you get severe allergic reactions. Common examples include reactions to certain foods or insect stings. Going into anaphylactic shock can be life-threatening. If you notice symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as having trouble breathing, use an epinephrine injector. This anaphylaxis treatment can save your life. Make sure to call 911 and seek urgent medical care.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
