anaphylaxis symptoms
Anaphylaxis 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. Signs and symptoms include a rapid, weak pulse; a skin rash; and nausea and vomiting. Common triggers include certain foods, some medications, insect venom and latex. Anaphylaxis requires an injection of epinephrine and a follow-up trip to an emergency room. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction to a chemical that has become an allergen. An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. After being exposed to a substance such as bee sting venom, the person's immune system becomes sensitized to it. When the person is exposed to that allergen again, an allergic reaction may occur. Anaphylaxis happens quickly after the exposure. Anaphylaxis Overview. Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction. The most common anaphylactic reactions are to foods, insect stings, medications. If you are allergic to a substance, your immune system overreacts to this allergen by releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. Anaphylaxis Symptoms & Diagnosis. Symptoms. Symptoms of anaphylaxis typically start within 5 to 30 minutes of coming into contact with the allergen to which you are allergic. In some cases it may take more than an hour for you to notice anaphylactic symptoms. The vast majority of people will never have an anaphylactic reaction. Common triggers of an anaphylactic reaction include drugs, such as penicillin, insect stings, foods (peanuts, shellfish), X-ray dye, and latex. The symptoms of anaphylaxis may vary and can include hives, tongue swelling, vomiting, and even shock. If someone is at risk, avoidance is the best form of treatment. Management of Blood Pressure. Maintaining proper blood pressure is important in the treatment of anaphylactic reactions. Hypotension is often the most difficult manifestation of anaphylaxis to treat. Persons with protracted hypotension must be monitored in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting. 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. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you're allergic to, such as peanuts or bee stings. Disposition of patients with anaphylaxis depends on the severity of the initial reaction and the response to treatment. Patients with non–life-threatening symptoms may be observed for 4-6 hours after successful treatment and then discharged. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that needs to be treated right away. 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. Epinephrine can reverse the symptoms within minutes.
Weak pulse; a skin rash; and nausea and vomiting.