There may also be other allergy symptoms, including an itchy, raised rash (hives); feeling or being sick; swelling (angioedema) or stomach pain. Show
What to do if someone has anaphylaxisAnaphylaxis is a medical emergency. It can be very serious if not treated quickly. If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis:
If you're having an anaphylactic reaction, you can follow these steps yourself if you feel able to. Read about how to treat anaphylaxis for more advice about using auto-injectors and correct positioning. Triggers of anaphylaxisAnaphylaxis is the result of the immune system, the body's natural defence system, overreacting to a trigger. This is often something you're allergic to, but not always. Common anaphylaxis triggers include:
In some cases, there's no obvious trigger. This is known as idiopathic anaphylaxis. Preventing anaphylaxisIf you have a serious allergy or have experienced anaphylaxis before, it's important to try to prevent future episodes. In most cases, people with allergies develop mild to moderate symptoms, such as watery eyes, a runny nose or a rash. But sometimes, exposure to an allergen can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. This severe reaction happens when an over-release of chemicals puts the person into shock. Allergies to food, insect stings, medications and latex are most frequently associated with anaphylaxis. A second anaphylactic reaction, known as a biphasic reaction, can occur as long as 12 hours after the initial reaction. Call 911 and get to the nearest emergency facility at the first sign of anaphylaxis, even if you have already administered epinephrine, the drug used to treat severe allergic reactions. Just because an allergic person has never had an anaphylactic reaction in the past to an offending allergen, doesn’t mean that one won’t occur in the future. If you have had an anaphylactic reaction in the past, you are at risk of future reactions.
Don’t let allergies or asthma hold you back. Find an Allergist SymptomsAnaphylaxis symptoms occur suddenly and can progress quickly. The early symptoms may be mild, such as a runny nose, a skin rash or a “strange feeling.” These symptoms can quickly lead to more serious problems, including:
People who have had a severe allergic reaction are at risk for future reactions. Even if your first reaction is mild, future reactions might be more severe. That’s why it’s important to carry self-injectable epinephrine if you are at risk, and 911 should be dialed in the event of a very serious reaction. The best way to understand anaphylaxis and the things that can trigger this severe allergic reaction is to see an allergist who will help you manage your condition. DiagnosisIf you have a history of allergies and/or asthma and have previously had a severe reaction, you are at greater risk for anaphylaxis. Allergists are specially trained to review your history of allergic reactions, conduct diagnostic tests (such as skin-prick tests, blood tests and oral food challenges) to determine your triggers, review treatment options and teach avoidance techniques. Talk with an allergist if:
Management and TreatmentAn anaphylactic reaction should be treated immediately with an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline). Doses, available by prescription, come in an auto-injector that should be kept with you at all times. Two injections may be necessary to control symptoms. Here are some tips for reducing the risk of anaphylaxis:
Be S.A.F.E. Action GuideAllergists 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 an allergic emergency. S Seek immediate medical help.Call 911 and get to the nearest emergency facility at the first sign of anaphylaxis, even if you have already administered epinephrine, the drug used to treat severe allergic reactions. If you have had an anaphylactic reaction in the past, you are at risk of future reactions. A Identify the Allergen.Think about what you might have eaten or come in contact with – food, insect sting, medication, latex – to trigger an allergic reaction. It is particularly important to identify the cause because the best way to prevent anaphylaxis is to avoid its trigger. F Follow up with a specialist.Ask your doctor for a referral to an allergist/immunologist, a physician who specializes in treating asthma and allergies. It is important that you consult an allergist for testing, diagnosis and ongoing management of your allergic disease. E Carry Epinephrine for emergencies.Kits containing fast-acting, self-administered epinephrine are commonly prescribed for people who are at risk of anaphylaxis. Make sure that you carry an epinephrine kit with you at all times, and that family and friends know of your condition, your triggers and how to use epinephrine. Consider wearing an emergency medical bracelet or necklace identifying yourself as a person at risk of anaphylaxis. Teachers and other caregivers should be informed of children who are at risk for anaphylaxis and know what to do in an allergic emergency. How long does it take to fully recover from anaphylaxis?With early and appropriate treatment, cases of anaphylaxis can improve quickly within a few hours. If a person has already developed the more serious symptoms and dangerous conditions, it may take a few days to fully recover after treatment. If untreated, anaphylaxis can cause death within minutes to hours.
Can you have an anaphylaxis reaction days later?Some reactions can occur after several hours, particularly if the allergen causes a reaction after it has been eaten. In very rare cases, reactions develop after 24 hours. Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that occurs within minutes of exposure.
Can anaphylaxis occur 12 hours later?Allergies to food, insect stings, medications and latex are most frequently associated with anaphylaxis. A second anaphylactic reaction, known as a biphasic reaction, can occur as long as 12 hours after the initial reaction.
Can an anaphylactic reaction go away on its own?Anaphylactic reactions can vary greatly from person to person, or from one reaction to the next. The symptoms may get worse within only a few minutes. They then often stay at the same level of severity for a while and then go away again on their own.
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