Having anaphylaxis can be frightening, especially if you or someone you know has a tendency to have a sensitivity to certain foods or substances. However, the good news is that there are a number of things you can do to avoid the onset of anaphylaxis. In fact, you can prevent it entirely if you know what to look for and how to respond to a potentially life-threatening reaction.
Symptoms
Symptoms of anaphylaxis vary, but most are fairly easy to identify. Some of the most common symptoms include swelling of the skin, hives, or redness. A person may also experience difficulty breathing or a persistent clearing of the throat.
The symptoms of anaphylaxis can be more serious if the person has a history of allergies or asthma. A person with anaphylaxis may also be at risk for developing cardiac problems. This is especially true if the person is over the age of 50.
If you have anaphylaxis, it is essential that you seek medical help immediately. Your healthcare provider may need to give you medicines to help you with your symptoms. Some of these medicines include chewable antihistamines and injectable epinephrine. You may also need surgery to place a tube directly into your trachea.
You should also wear medical alert jewelry. Wearing this jewelry will help you identify the cause of your symptoms. You can also ask your doctor to review your medical history. They may need to do tests to determine the cause of your anaphylactic reaction.
Depending on the severity of your reaction, you may need to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. Several different organs may be affected by anaphylactic shock, including the respiratory system, the nervous system, and the digestive system. You may also experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, syncope, or hypotonia.
You may need to be hooked up to a breathing tube, and your heart may have to work harder. A person with anaphylactic shock may also have diarrhea and vomiting.
If you have a history of allergic reactions, you may want to carry an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen). This is a small, pre-filled syringe that is easily administered by a bystander. It is a good idea to have an emergency action plan ready, which tells you when and how to administer epinephrine.
Children are at increased risk for latex-induced anaphylaxis. Healthcare workers and children with spina bifida are also at greater risk.
The symptoms of anaphylaxis may begin within minutes of coming into contact with the allergen. The reaction usually subsides after a few hours but may return after a short time.
Diagnosis
Among adults and children, anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergy. It is characterized by rapid onset and symptoms, often minutes after exposure. The reaction can progress to severe respiratory, cardiovascular, or digestive symptoms. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if not treated properly. It is estimated that between 0.5% and 2% of the population will experience anaphylaxis during their lifetime.
The diagnosis of anaphylaxis is based on clinical criteria. These include suggestive symptoms that develop within minutes or hours after exposure to a potential triggering agent. In-vitro tests are sometimes used to confirm the diagnosis.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include wheezing, stridor, abdominal cramps, flushing, and urticaria. In rare cases, a patient may experience dyspnea, tachycardia, hypotension, or bronchospasm. The diagnosis of anaphylaxis should be made as soon as possible.
The initial steps to stabilize a patient should include an assessment of the cardiopulmonary status, airway, and respiratory function. Intubation may be needed to secure an airway.
Patients with anaphylaxis should carry an autoinjector device, which injects a single dose of medication when pressed against the thigh. The treatment of choice is epinephrine.
Patients with exercise-induced anaphylaxis should limit their physical exercise and carry epinephrine. They should stop exercising immediately upon developing prodromal symptoms. Patients should also carry a mobile phone in case they need help.
People with chronic lung diseases are more likely to experience severe respiratory problems during anaphylaxis. In these cases, the airway may be secured by emergent cricothyroidotomy or endotracheal intubation. If these options are not available, peripheral venous way canalization is an alternative. Depending on the clinical manifestations of the patient, additional treatment options may include fluid resuscitation, H1, and H2 antagonists, and circulatory support.
Those who are diagnosed with anaphylaxis should be monitored for several hours after the initial reaction. A follow-up evaluation by an allergy specialist can help clarify the diagnosis. A written action plan should be developed for future anaphylaxis events. These plans should include a referral to an allergist.
The rate of anaphylaxis has increased over the past several decades. Among children, the incidence has increased more.
Treatment
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can range from mild to life-threatening. The severity of anaphylaxis depends on the etiology and the onset of symptoms. The treatment of anaphylaxis aims to relieve symptoms and prevent further deterioration.
It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis as quickly as possible. A history of previous episodes can help determine the etiology and risk factors. The patient should be closely monitored and evaluated. If the patient exhibits any of the signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis, epinephrine should be given promptly. Epinephrine may be administered by a syringe or auto-injector.
In the presence of hypotension, the patient should be placed in a recumbent position and vasopressors administered. Oxygen should also be administered for circulatory compromise. If epinephrine does not reverse hypotension, an H2 receptor antagonist should be administered.
If anaphylaxis is suspected, the patient should be transported to the emergency department. The emergency department should monitor the patient and treat any additional symptoms. If anaphylaxis has been confirmed, a complete medical evaluation should be performed. Detailed laboratory tests can be coordinated with the allergist/immunologist.
The patient should be monitored closely and evaluated at regular intervals. If the patient develops respiratory distress or if the anaphylactic reaction progresses to respiratory arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be administered. The patient should be followed up with a long-term treatment plan.
If the anaphylactic reaction is mild, the patient may be observed for an extended period. If the reaction is severe, the patient may need to be admitted to an intensive care unit. If anaphylaxis is fatal, CPR should be performed immediately.
An anaphylactic reaction may occur after a specific exposure or during the course of a generalized allergic reaction. Patients with a history of food allergy should be screened for anaphylaxis. The allergist/immunologist can help to assess the risk of developing anaphylaxis in the future. An allergist/immunologist can also advise the patient on avoidance measures.
The NIAID’s criterion for clinical diagnosis of anaphylaxis is based on signs and symptoms occurring within two hours after exposure. The presence of an elevated serum tryptase concentration can indicate the presence of a true anaphylactic reaction.
Co-morbidities and medications may affect anaphylaxis
Several co-morbidities and medications may influence the symptoms of anaphylaxis. In a study conducted by Pomeranian Medical University Allergy Clinic, the patients surveyed were those with moderate to severe anaphylaxis. These patients’ data were analyzed and compiled to provide a picture of the risk factors associated with anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction involving multiple organ systems. The reaction is triggered by a release of chemical mediators from the body’s mast cells. The symptoms include cutaneous and respiratory manifestations, as well as anxiety and altered mental status.
The occurrence of anaphylaxis has been increasing over the past decade. In the United States, hospital admissions for food-associated anaphylaxis have increased fivefold. The incidence of anaphylaxis is estimated to be one to four per 1000 emergency department visits. The anaphylaxis incidence rate has been higher among women aged 19 to 60 years.
Anaphylaxis is characterized by the rapid onset of symptoms. In most cases, anaphylaxis occurs within five to thirty minutes. If you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, seek emergency care immediately. If your symptoms are not responding to treatment, inject yourself with epinephrine. This can save your life.
Anaphylaxis may also be caused by non-IgE-mediated triggers. These triggers include immune complexes, cytotoxic transfusion reactions, and immune complexes. In addition to the skin and respiratory symptoms, anaphylaxis can cause gastrointestinal manifestations.
Anaphylaxis is one of the most serious conditions. In some cases, it can lead to death. The condition is usually triggered by a sting or injection. In addition to respiratory symptoms, anaphylaxis may also cause hypotension and bronchospasm. In the United States, anaphylaxis-related fatalities are estimated to be over a thousand per year.
Anaphylaxis is largely underdiagnosed. It is important to be aware of risk factors and preventive measures. In addition, diagnostic testing may provide information about potential triggers. The patient should be referred to an allergist. A written emergency action plan should be developed to prioritize initial anaphylaxis treatment and to prepare patients for future reactions. These plans should include information on an individual’s anaphylaxis triggers, as well as epinephrine injections.
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