Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is life-threatening. Always bear in mind that anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and entails immediate treatment. The symptoms typically include breathing difficulty and abrupt drop in the blood pressure that can cause dizziness or fainting. A raised itchy rash develops after the other symptoms manifest or at the same time.
What happens during anaphylaxis?
In most allergic reactions, the resulting chemicals are released locally into the tissues in a particular part of the body. The symptoms of the allergic reaction typically occur in one area. During anaphylaxis, the chemicals that trigger the allergic symptoms are released into the bloodstream. This causes symptoms within minutes of exposure to the triggering substance but oftentimes, an hour or so later.
What are the common causes?
The usual causes of anaphylaxis include certain foods including tree nuts, peanuts or shellfish. Just remember though that all foods can potentially trigger a reaction. In addition, insect stings, drugs and contrast agents are also common causes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of anaphylaxis often occur with mild symptoms of an allergic reaction. Nevertheless, in some circumstances, the mild symptoms such as an allergic rash might not be present and the initial symptoms that manifest are severe.
An allergic reaction is considered severe if it involves the lungs or affects the heart rhythm or blood pressure. Nevertheless, if an individual develops abdominal symptoms such as vomiting after an insect bite, this can rapidly lead to anaphylaxis. All or any of the following symptoms might be present:
- Difficulty in swallowing or speaking
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
- Vocal changes (hoarse voice)
- Wheezing or persistent cough or severe asthma
- Abdominal cramping or vomiting after an insect sting
- Difficulty or noisy breathing
- Dizziness, loss of consciousness or collapse due to an abrupt drop in the blood pressure
- Sense of impending doom
There are also several factors that can affect the severity of the allergic reactions as well as increase the risk for anaphylaxis. These include alcohol, heat, exercises, amount of allergen exposed to and how food was prepared and eaten. In addition, those who have underlying conditions face a higher risk for severe reactions.
Who are at risk of anaphylaxis?
Unfortunately, there is no test that can accurately predict anaphylaxis, thus an allergist should be consulted. Remember though that anaphylaxis is more likely to occur in someone who has:
- Had a previous anaphylactic reaction
- Moderate to severe or uncontrolled asthma
- A reaction that occurs after skin contact
- Underlying cardiovascular disease
- If a serious allergic reaction occurs after exposure to minimal amount of the allergen
The tests that are commonly used to help diagnose an allergy can reveal how likely an individual is allergic but not the severity of the reaction.
Treatment
The initial line of treatment for anaphylaxis is the administration of epinephrine that is given intramuscularly into the upper outer thigh muscle. This is considered as a safe treatment that works within minutes to reduce swelling, wheezing as well as improve the blood pressure.