Anaphylaxis is a severe and sometimes fatal reaction to an allergen. Often occurring within minutes of exposure, anaphylaxis requires immediate medical intervention. Below is an outline of the symptoms of anaphylaxis that will help you determine when to seek help.
Flushing
Anaphylaxis often begins with a feeling of warmth or flushing. This is especially true of food allergies, such as peanuts. It serves as a clear warning that something is not right, and you will need to be on the alert for further symptoms.
Skin Reactions
Along with flushing, your skin may become pale, and there may be hives accompanied by intense itching. This is a sign your body has mistaken the allergen as an invader and has gone on the defense. A more severe reaction may be on the way.
Breathing Problems
A severe allergic reaction will also cause the throat to become restricted, and you may have trouble breathing. Some people may also experience a swollen tongue, which complicates the situation by blocking the throat even more.
Digestive Distress
Anaphylaxis related to a food allergy may cause you to feel nauseated, vomit or have diarrhea as your body tries to eliminate the cause of the reaction.
Rapid Pulse
As the anaphylaxis progresses and the body experiences more distress, your pulse will become rapid and weak, feeling like a fluttering in the chest. At this point, you should be at the hospital receiving emergency treatment.
Fainting
In some cases, the body may be so overcome by its own immune response that it may cause you to become dizzy or faint. If anaphylaxis has reached this stage, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately. If not treated, the condition can be fatal, although this is extremely rare.
Administering Epinephrine
People who have experienced anaphylaxis in the past or are aware of their allergies can carry an epinephrine autoinjector, such as an EpiPen, that will enable them or another person to administer epinephrine. This will stop the reaction in most cases, but a trip to the hospital may still be necessary to ensure it does not return. If you have experienced anaphylaxis for the first time, making an appointment with an allergist and having tests done will be helpful with further management.
While anaphylaxis is a very serious condition, you can live a normal life and avoid further attacks by identifying triggers and managing other related allergic symptoms.
