Anaphylaxis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary but often include:

1. Skin reactions, such as hives, itching, or flushed or pale skin
2. Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing
3. Wheezing or difficulty breathing
4. Rapid or weak pulse
5. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
6. Dizziness or fainting
7. Feeling of impending doom

Anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen, which is a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. Common allergens that can cause anaphylaxis include foods (such as peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and eggs), insect stings, medications (such as penicillin), and latex.

If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, call emergency services immediately. Anaphylaxis requires prompt medical treatment, which may include epinephrine (adrenaline) and other medications to help alleviate symptoms and stabilize the condition.

What are the causes of anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system overreacts to an allergen. Common causes of anaphylaxis include:

1. Foods: Certain foods are common triggers for anaphylaxis, including peanuts, tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts), shellfish, fish, eggs, milk, and soy.
2. Insect stings: Bee stings, wasp stings, hornet stings, and fire ant stings can trigger anaphylaxis in some people.
3. Medications: Some medications can cause anaphylaxis, including antibiotics (such as penicillin), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and certain intravenous (IV) medications.
4. Latex: Latex, which is found in rubber products such as gloves and balloons, can trigger anaphylaxis in some people.
5. Exercise: In some cases, exercise can trigger anaphylaxis, especially when combined with certain foods or medications.
6. Other allergens: Less commonly, anaphylaxis can be triggered by other allergens, such as latex in certain fruits or vegetables (latex-fruit syndrome) or certain types of allergenic proteins in foods.

It’s important to identify and avoid known allergens if you are at risk of anaphylaxis. If you have a known allergy that can cause anaphylaxis, your healthcare provider may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) for emergency use.

What is the treatment for anaphylaxis?

The treatment for anaphylaxis is immediate and usually requires prompt medical attention. If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, call emergency services immediately. Treatment for anaphylaxis may include:

1. Epinephrine (adrenaline) injection: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. It helps to reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis by constricting blood vessels and relaxing the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Epinephrine also helps to increase blood pressure. An epinephrine auto-injector, such as an EpiPen, is often prescribed for people at risk of anaphylaxis. It should be injected into the thigh muscle as soon as symptoms of anaphylaxis occur.
2. Oxygen therapy: If you are having difficulty breathing, you may be given oxygen to help you breathe more easily.
3. Intravenous (IV) fluids: IV fluids may be given to help maintain blood pressure and prevent dehydration.
4. Antihistamines: Antihistamines can help to reduce itching, hives, and other allergic symptoms.
5. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids may be given to help reduce inflammation and prevent a delayed or prolonged allergic reaction.
6. Beta-agonists: In some cases, beta-agonist medications, such as albuterol, may be given to help open up the airways and improve breathing.
7. Monitoring: After treatment, you may be monitored in a hospital or emergency department for several hours to ensure that your symptoms do not return or worsen.

It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you are experiencing anaphylaxis, even if you have already used an epinephrine auto-injector. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, and prompt treatment is essential.

What are the 4 stages of anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis typically progresses through four stages, although not everyone will experience all stages or in the same order. The stages of anaphylaxis are:

1. Onset: This is the initial stage when the person is exposed to an allergen. Symptoms can begin within seconds or minutes of exposure and may include itching, hives, swelling, and a feeling of warmth.
2. Early reaction: This stage involves the rapid onset of more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and a rapid or weak pulse. Blood pressure may also drop.
3. Crisis: This is the most severe stage of anaphylaxis and is characterized by a further drop in blood pressure, leading to shock. Symptoms can include confusion, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and a blue tint to the skin (cyanosis) due to lack of oxygen.
4. Resolution: With prompt and appropriate treatment, symptoms of anaphylaxis can begin to resolve. However, it’s important to continue monitoring the person closely, as symptoms can sometimes return (a biphasic reaction).

Not everyone will experience all four stages, and the severity and progression of anaphylaxis can vary from person to person. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential to prevent complications and improve outcomes.