WHAT IS ANAPHYLAXIS?
The literal meaning is “loss of protection”. Massive amounts of chemicals like histamine are released from cells causing a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. These chemicals affect the lungs, skin, throat, heart, digestive tract and other organs. Common causes are drug, food or insect allergy.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
- hives or swelling
- difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath
- throat tightness, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness
- nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea
- dizzy, loss of consciousness, or low blood pressure
These commonly occur 5-30 minutes after exposure, but can occur within seconds or
occasionally more than 1 hour later.
HOW DO YOU TREAT THIS?
- Inject epinephrine immediately if available, then call 911 or proceed to emergency facility. If the injection does not help within a few minutes, give a second dose.
- Visit an allergist to determine the possible cause.
- Going forward, avoid any potential triggers the allergist finds.
- Wear an ID bracelet with the name of your trigger(s), e.g. ANAPHYLAXIS TO
PEANUTS.