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- What is anaphylaxis?
- Symptoms of anaphylaxis
- Causes of anaphylaxis
- Treatment of anaphylaxis
- Important anaphylaxis facts
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction which can be life-threatening. It is also known as anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that happens very quickly, sometimes without much warning (especially if the person does not realise they are allergic to a particular substance or if they eat something with a known allergen). This condition can lead to death if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of anaphylactic shock tend to develop rapidly although the initial presentation can be delayed and/or deceptively mild.
Anaphylaxis is most likely to happen if one of the following occurs within minutes to an hour after eating a food allergen or being exposed to the allergen (insect bite etc) (adapted from Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network):
1. A person has skin symptoms (rash, hives) or swollen lips or either:
- Diffiulty breathing
- Lowered blood pressure
2. A person was exposed to a suspected allergen and two or more of the following occur:
- Difficulty breathing
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (cramping pain, diarrhoea, vomiting)
- Lowered blood pressure
- Skin symptoms (rash, hives) or swollen lips
3. A person was exposed to a know allergen and experiences:
Anaphylactic shock affects most body systems in a devastating way and can be fatal.
Anaphylactic shock is mostly diagnosed during childhood, but can start later in life too.
Anaphylaxis can be caused by a number of allergens, which trigger this serious and extreme reaction:
- Exercise
- Food - this is the most common trigger for anaphylaxis
- Insect bites
- Latex
- Medicine
The most common food allergens that are known to cause anaphylaxis are:
- Egg and egg products
- Milk and milk products
- Peanuts
- Seafood
- Tree nuts
People with a history of allergies, asthma, eczema or hayfever are also at higher risk for this serious condition.
The most effective treatment for anaphylaxis is:
- Adrenaline / epinephrine - should be administered to treat anaphylactic shock immediately; it works to prevent the condition from progressing and reverses symptoms
- Antihistamines - these medications are used to help the person with anaphylaxis recover more quickly from the effects fo this condition (example - benadryl)
- Steroids - these medications are also used to help the person with anaphylaxis recover more quickly from the effects fo this condition (examples - prednisone)
- A person with anaphylaxis needs immediate assistance
- People with known serious allergies to substances should wear identifying bracelet to alert people to their condition if they cannot talk
references
- Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology & Allergy
- Allergy Capital - Adrenaline (Australia)
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
