Anaphylaxis - Symptoms and Treatment

In most cases allergies are uncomfortable but not life threatening. However, in more sensitive individuals anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that is life threatening may occur within minutes or may even occur several hours after exposure to an allergen.

• Medications such as antibiotics, aspirin, etc.
• Insect venom such as bee stings, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, fire ants
• Foods such as peanuts, nuts, shellfish, fruit, eggs
• Latex

• Hives and itching
• Swelling of eyes, lips, throat or tongue
• Constriction of the airways- Swelling of the lips, throat or tongue- causing difficulty breathing, wheezing
• Shock-severe decrease in blood pressure leading to inadequate functioning of internal organs
• Dizziness, fainting, mental confusion
• Abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Weak and rapid pulse
• Flushed or pale skin
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Treatment for anaphylaxis

Treatment for anaphylaxis includes antihistamines (i.e. diphenhydramine) and epinephrine. People who have severe reactions should always have antihistamines and epinephrine close at hand.

Tips for people at risk for anaphylaxis

• Always wear a bracelet indicating serious allergies.
• Be sure your pharmacist, physician and other health care providers know your allergens.
• As soon as you receive your 'Epi-Pen' you should learn how to use it and periodically refresh your memory on how to inject the medication.
• Attach a few antihistamines to your Epi-Pen case so you always carry both together.
• Carry two injections if you are going to be a considerable distance from the nearest hospital.
• Check the expiry date of your injection frequently and replace it as soon as it is nearing the expiry date or has been used.
• When at risk be sure friends and family are aware you carry an epinephrine injection and know how to use it.
• Have someone stay with you for 24 hours after an anaphylactic reaction, in case it recurs.

Responding to anaphylaxis

• If you encounter something to which you have a severe allergy, take an antihistamine immediately, if allergic symptoms start. This may prevent anaphylaxis; however it is important to have an 'Epi-Pen' close at hand in case the reaction becomes more severe.
• If the allergy symptoms are immediately severe, administer the epinephrine. Then take the antihistamine as soon as you are able to swallow.
• If you encounter a person who is unconscious from an anaphylactic reaction, lay the person lay on their back with their feet higher than their head unless the person is vomiting, at which time you should lay them on their side.
• Call 911
• Administer the epinephrine injection
  • Most epinephrine injections are 'auto injectors.'
  • Generally you press the injection against the thigh with enough force to trigger the mechanism to release the needle into the thigh.
  • Hold the needle in place for a few seconds, long enough to release all the medication from the syringe.
• After administering the injection, rub the injection site for 10 seconds to help the body absorb the medication more quickly.
• After the person has responded to the medication and is able to swallow without choking, give the antihistamine to help prevent the reaction from recurring.
• If there are no signs of life (breathing, coughing or movement) start CPR.