Severe Allergic Reaction -Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction
Anaphylaxis occurs when your immune system has a severe reaction to an allergen. The reaction can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure and restriction of the airways. These events can result in difficulty breathing, unconsciousness and, rarely, death.
You can be prepared to respond to anaphylaxis by knowing its signs and symptoms, and by carrying emergency medication with you, such as injectable epinephrine.
It's also important to do everything you can to prevent exposure to the allergens that you have identified as triggers for your allergic reaction.

Causes of anaphylaxis

Any substance that can trigger an allergic reaction can also cause anaphlaxis. Most common are:

• Foods, such as peanuts, walnuts, pecans, milk, eggs, fish or shellfish
• Medications, such as penicillin
• Insect venoms, such as bees or wasps
• Latex

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis

The signs of anaphylaxis occur within minutes or seconds after being exposed to an allergen.
The following signs and symptoms are a strong indication of anaphylaxis:

• Constriction of the airways and a swollen tongue or throat, that results in difficulty breathing
• A drop in blood pressure resulting in dizziness, fainting or shock.
• A weak and rapid pulse
• Hives and widespread itching
• Flushed or pale skin
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Risk factors for anaphylaxis

Most people with allergies never experience an anaphylactic reaction. However, having an allergy puts a person at risk of develop anaphylaxis.
If you have had an anaphylactic reaction before, you are at greater risk of having another reaction in the future. Anaphylactic reactions can also grow increasingly severe with each episode.

Treatment of anaphylaxis

There is no medication that will prevent someone from developing anaphylaxis. However, there are medications that control the reaction once it starts.
Epinephrine (adrenaline) is the drug most commonly used to treat anaphylactic reactions once they start. It must be injected into the muscle to be effective.
Medical personnel called in to respond to a severe anaphylactic reaction may give you epinephrine.
If necessary, a doctor or emergency medical team may perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). They may also administer intravenous antihistamines and cortisone to reduce inflammation of your air passages and improve your breathing.
If you're with someone who has experienced anaphylaxis and shows signs of shock — pale, cool and clammy skin, weak and rapid pulse, shallow breathing, confusion, anxiety — follow these steps:

• Call  emergency medical help immediately.
• Check to see if the person is carrying special medications to treat an allergy attack. If so, administer the medication.
• Get the person to lie down on his or her back. Elevate the feet higher than the head to keep adequate blood flow to the brain, which will prevent fainting. Keep him or her from moving unnecessarily.
• Keep the person warm and comfortable. Loosen tight clothing and cover him or her with a blanket. Don't give the person anything to drink.
• If the person is vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, place the person on his or her side to prevent choking.

If the person isn't breathing or has no pulse, perform CPR.

Anaphylaxis prevention

The best way to prevent anaphylaxis is to avoid substances that you know cause this severe reaction. Follow these steps to help ensure your well-being:

• Wear a medical alert necklace or bracelet to indicate if you have an allergy to specific drugs or other substances.
• Keep a properly stocked emergency kit with prescribed medications available at all times.
• Alert your doctor to your drug allergies before having any medical treatment.
• If you are allergic to stinging insects, exercise caution when they're nearby. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Avoid bright colors and don't wear perfumes or colognes. Stay calm if you come in proximity to a stinging insect. Move away slowly and avoid slapping at the insect. Avoid wearing sandals or walking barefoot in the grass if you're allergic to insect stings.
• If you have food allergies, read the labels of all the foods you buy. Manufacturing processes can change, so it's important to periodically recheck the labels of foods you commonly eat. When eating out, ask about ingredients in the food, and ask about food preparation because even small amounts of the food you're allergic to can cause a serious reaction.