Anaphylaxis

How to stay safe, informed, and prepared

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be potentially life-threatening if not immediately treated. Also known as anaphylactic shock, anaphylaxis can develop sudden and severe reactions within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. Common triggers include peanuts, bee stings, certain foods, some medications, or latex.

If you or your child undergo anaphylactic shock, you must conduct an epinephrine injection with an EpiPen and call our office at (614) 328-9927 for a follow-up visit. If you don't have access to an EpiPen or epinephrine, call 911 immediately. When left untreated, anaphylaxis can be fatal, so it’s important to get help right away.

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What symptoms develop from anaphylaxis?

Rapid or weak pulse

If your blood pressure increases or drops suddenly, your body may be going into hypotension. Checking for a rapid or weak pulse is a quick way to determine if your body is experiencing anaphylactic shock.

Skin rash

Red bumps, swelling, rashes, and irritation are all common symptoms that form on the skin when anaphylaxis occurs. Skin rashes and swelling can occur suddenly and quickly become increasingly severe, so it is crucial to inject epinephrine as soon as possible to avoid any further life-threatening symptoms.

Nausea or vomiting

When going into anaphylactic shock, you may experience dizziness, nausea, vertigo, and vomiting. If you begin to encounter these symptoms after coming in contact with an allergen, don’t wait to inject epinephrine.

How does anaphylaxis happen?

The immune system creates antibodies to protect itself from harmful foreign substances, such as certain bacteria, viruses, or infections. However, there are individuals who have immune systems that overreact to harmless substances, such as food. These allergic reactions can be minor, but others, such as anaphylaxis, are much more severe.

During anaphylaxis, the immune system releases a flood of chemicals that can cause the body to go into shock. This manifests itself through a sudden drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, and swollen or itchy skin.

How is anaphylaxis treated?

Epinephrine auto-injectors

More commonly known as EpiPen, epinephrine auto-injectors immediately relieves anaphylactic symptoms by delivering a powerful dose of adrenaline to the immune system. If you struggle with severe allergic creations, your provider will recommend an EpiPen to keep you equipped and prepared in the rare case of anaphylaxis. Your EpiPen must be carried with you or your child at all times to keep you safe and secure.

Allergy immunotherapy

At Premier Allergy & Asthma, we are proud to provide revolutionary immunotherapy programs that can help your body build a tolerance to allergens that cause a severe reaction. Over time, your provider will gradually administer increased doses of your allergen to decrease the sensitivity. Eventually, this treatment can dramatically reduce or even eliminate your allergy, keeping you free from the fear of anaphylaxis for good.