The most severe allergy problem a person can have is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe full-body allergic reaction that can result in shock and death. If you or someone else is having a severe allergic reaction, do not hesitate to call 911 or head directly to your local emergency room.
Identification
Anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or minutes of being exposed to an allergen. The reaction can start mild with hives, a warm body sensation, nasal congestion, a runny nose, itchy eyes and abdominal cramping. As the reaction progresses the symptoms become potentially life-threatening. Breathing and swallowing are difficult because your tongue or throat swells. You cough, wheeze, feel dizzy and possibly confused. Your pulse may be weaker than usual, or heart palpitations are present. The experience of anaphylaxis gives you anxiety and the feeling that something bad is about to happen.
Cause
Your body's immune system creates antibodies to protect you from foreign substances. The first time you're exposed to a substance, an allergic reaction doesn't occur, but your body becomes sensitized to the substance. The foreign substance becomes an allergen; the next time you're exposed to the allergen, your immune system overreacts and triggers your body to releases a large amount of histamine and other chemicals which cause allergy symptoms. The most common causes of anaphylaxis are medications, foods and insect stings. Less common causes are latex, muscle relaxants and physical activity.
Treatment
Even if the symptoms start mild, it is unpredictable how serious the symptoms will progress; most deaths from anaphylaxis are caused by delayed treatment. Epinephrine or adrenaline is used for anaphylaxis to counteract the effects of histamines. If you have had anaphylaxis in the past, your doctor probably prescribed an auto-injectable epinephrine. Even if you have administered the auto-injectable epinephrine after exposure to an allergen, still call 911 since there is no guarantee the injection will stop the symptoms. If the anaphylaxis is from a sting, scrape the stinger off the skin without squeezing the stinger, which releases more venom. To prevent shock during anaphylaxis, position a person flat on his back with his feet raised 12 inches and cover him with a coat or blanket. If a person is not breathing and has no pulse, start CPR until the paramedics arrive. Do not prop a person's head onto a pillow if he's having difficulties breathing.
Prevention
The best way to prevent anaphylaxis is to avoid allergens. If you have difficulties avoiding allergens, regular immunotherapy injections are often required. Once you've had anaphylaxis, always wear your tags to show your allergen. Carry your auto-injectable epinephrine; instruct people around you on how to use the epinephrine in case of an emergency. Read food labels carefully if you have food allergies. Do not wear sandals or walk barefoot in grass if you're allergic to insect venom. If you infant has food allergies, only introduce one food at a time.
