Everything you need to know about Severe Allergies!

This week's topic will cover all about a severe allergic reaction called Anaphylaxis.

What is Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that needs to be treated right away. It can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you're allergic to, such as peanuts or bee stings. It causes your immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock. Your blood pressure drops suddenly and your airways narrow, blocking breathing. Common triggers include certain foods, some medications, insect venom and latex.

🚨If you have an anaphylactic reaction, you need an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot as soon as possible, and someone should call 911 for emergency medical help.

Left untreated, it can be deadly.

Anaphylaxis vs Other Allergies

A major difference between anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions is that anaphylaxis typically involves more than one system of the body. 

Quick definition of an Allergy💡

Allergy is a disorder of the immune system that is often call atopy. Allergies reactions occur to environmental substances known as allergens; these reactions are acquired, predictable and rapid.

Allergy symptoms aren't usually life-threatening, but a severe allergic reaction can lead to anaphylaxis. Even if you or your child has had only a mild anaphylactic reaction in the past, there's a risk of more severe anaphylaxis after another exposure to the allergy-causing substance.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms usually start within 5 to 30 minutes of coming into contact with an allergen to which an individual is allergic. In some cases, however, it may take more than an hour to notice anaphylactic symptoms.

Warning signs may include:

• Red rash (usually itchy and may have welts/hives)

• Swollen throat or swollen areas of the body

• Wheezing

• Passing out

• Chest tightness

• Trouble breathing

• Hoarse voice

• Trouble swallowing

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Stomach cramping

• Pale or red color to the face and body

This video explains well the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis by Professor Adam Fox

Causes

Your immune system produces antibodies that defend against foreign substances. This is good when a foreign substance is harmful, such as certain bacteria or viruses. But some people's immune systems overreact to substances that don't normally cause an allergic reaction.

In children, the most common cause is food. For adults, the main cause is medication.

Typical food triggers for children are:

• Peanuts

• Shellfish

• Fish

• Milk

• Eggs

• Soy

• Wheat

Common food triggers for adults are:

• Shellfish

• Tree nuts (walnuts, hazel nuts, cashews, pistachios, pine nuts, and almonds)

• Peanuts

Some people are so sensitive that even the smell of the food can trigger a reaction. Some are also allergic to certain preservatives in food.

Common medication triggers are:

• Penicillin (more often following a shot rather than a pill)

• Muscle relaxants like the ones used for anesthesia

• Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

• Anti-seizure medications

Insect Venom Allergies

Wasp and bee stings are frequent causes of anaphylactic reactions in children and adults.

These insects include:

• Yellow jackets

• Honeybees

• Paper wasps

• Hornets.

• Fire ants.

Not as common triggers:

• Pollen, such as ragweed, grass, and tree pollen

• Stings or bites from bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and fire ants

• Latex, found in hospital gloves, balloons, and rubber bands

Treatments

Epinephrine is the most effective treatment for anaphylaxis, and the shot should be given right away (usually in the thigh). If you’ve had an anaphylaxis reaction before, you should carry at least two doses of epinephrine with you at all times.

Epinephrine expires after about a year, so make sure your prescription is up to date.

When medical personnel arrive, they may give you more epinephrine. If you’re not able to breathe, they may put a tube down your mouth or nose to help. If this doesn’t work, they might do a kind of surgery called a tracheostomy that puts the tube directly into your windpipe.

Either in the ambulance or at the hospital, you may need fluids and medications to help you breathe. If the symptoms don't go away, doctors may also give you antihistamines and steroids. You probably will need to stay in the emergency room for several hours to make sure you don't have a second reaction.

After the initial emergency is over, see an allergy specialist, especially if you don't know what caused the reaction.

Be S.A.F.E Action Guide

Allergists and emergency physicians have teamed up to create the " Be S.A.F.E Action Guide" to help you remember steps to take during and after allergic emergency.

Real Life Experience

Here is Heather Braverman, a 19 year old who suffers from severe allergies her whole life shares her story:

That is it for this week! Hope you have learned and increased your knowledge regarding Anaphylaxis!

It is a subject that should not be taken lightly, therefore being informative and sharing tips can safe and help anyone, even if they do not suffer from it. They can use that knowledge to help someone in need.

Comeback next week for more new posts!

References

• webmd.com

• aaaai.org

• acaai.org