The Basics of Anaphylaxis
The Basics of Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction. It's a medical emergency.
Most people with allergies never have anaphylaxis. But when it happens, it works like this:
Within minutes or hours of being exposed to your allergy trigger, your body starts a chain reaction that widens your blood vessels, which can lower your blood pressure. You may pass out. You may get hives and swelling, especially around your face and throat. You may have trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing.
The most common triggers for anaphylaxis are:
Sometimes exercise can cause a severe reaction, usually after you eat something you’re allergic to.
Call 911 if you even suspect anaphylaxis.
An injection of a drug called epinephrine can delay symptoms. These injections aren’t a cure, though they may give you more time to get treatment -- and that could save your life. The drug quickly narrows your blood vessels, stops swelling in your throat and face, and relaxes the muscles in your lungs to help you breathe. Do not hesitate to use the epinephrine auto-injector if you start showing symptoms of anaphylaxis. Even if the symptoms turn out to not anaphylaxis, using the auto-injector as a precaution will not harm you.
Because this reaction can happen so fast, always act quickly and take it seriously. Use epinephrine first and then call 911 right away.
Understanding Anaphylaxis -- the Basics
In this article
What Is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction. It's a medical emergency.
Most people with allergies never have anaphylaxis. But when it happens, it works like this:
Within minutes or hours of being exposed to your allergy trigger, your body starts a chain reaction that widens your blood vessels, which can lower your blood pressure. You may pass out. You may get hives and swelling, especially around your face and throat. You may have trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing.
What Causes Anaphylaxis?
The most common triggers for anaphylaxis are:
- Peanuts and tree nuts (particularly almond, walnut, hazel, Brazil, and cashew nuts)
- Fish and shellfish, especially shrimp and lobster
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Insect bites and stings, mainly those from wasps, bees, and ants
- Latex
- Medications
Sometimes exercise can cause a severe reaction, usually after you eat something you’re allergic to.
Call 911
Call 911 if you even suspect anaphylaxis.
An injection of a drug called epinephrine can delay symptoms. These injections aren’t a cure, though they may give you more time to get treatment -- and that could save your life. The drug quickly narrows your blood vessels, stops swelling in your throat and face, and relaxes the muscles in your lungs to help you breathe. Do not hesitate to use the epinephrine auto-injector if you start showing symptoms of anaphylaxis. Even if the symptoms turn out to not anaphylaxis, using the auto-injector as a precaution will not harm you.
Because this reaction can happen so fast, always act quickly and take it seriously. Use epinephrine first and then call 911 right away.
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