What is Anaphylaxis?
What is Anaphylaxis?
The Mayo Clinic defines anaphylaxis as “a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.” This reaction can occur within seconds or minutes of the exposure to the allergen. The allergen is the substance that an individual is allergic to. This can vary from the venom of a bee sting to a peanut or exposure to mold. Many younger people suffer from allergies but eventually “outgrow” them. According to LiveScience, “In cases of disappearing allergies, some experts theorize that the person may simply grow accustomed to the allergen, thus reducing the level of immune-system sensitivity.” It is important to have the proper allergy testing performed to determine if an individual has a true allergy and the degree of the allergic reaction if the individual would be exposed to the allergen. The physicians at Allergy & Asthma Associates of Allen specialize in the treatment of allergies and asthma, as well as skin irritations.
Can an allergic reaction resulting in anaphylaxis occur at any time?
Yes, anaphylaxis can occur at any time even with foods or substances you have regularly eaten, or been exposed to numerous times throughout your life with no allergic reaction. The body’s immune system can change and just like a child can “outgrow” an allergy, an adult can suddenly develop an allergy. If you have a family history of allergies it is important that you are tested periodically for possible development of allergies, or an allergy you may have assumed you had “outgrown” but can reoccur. This is especially important if you have had severe allergic reactions which required immediate treatment.
What happens to your body during anaphylaxis?
WebMD explains anaphylaxis as a release of chemicals released by your immune system during this severe allergic reaction can cause you to go into shock, your blood pressure can drop suddenly and your airways may close, making breathing difficult to impossible. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include a rapid, weak pulse, a skin rash, and nausea and vomiting. Common triggers of anaphylaxis include certain foods, medications, insect venom and even latex.
What is the treatment for anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment! Medications must be administered to alleviate the effects of the allergic reaction. One of these medications includes Epinephrine (also known as “adrenaline” and manufactured under the name EpiPen by Mylan). If you have had a severe allergic reaction requiring the use of adrenalizing as treatment, you should always have a dose of Epinephrine with you and easily accessible to self-administer, if necessary. Regardless of self-administered treatment, a trip to the emergency room is warranted after all severe allergic reaction.
Call Allergy & Asthma Associates of Allen for immediate appointments for allergy testing. Allergy testing and subsequent treatment can help in achieving relief from the following conditions: Nasal allergies (hay fever), Eye Allergies, Asthma, Food Allergies, Eczema (atopic dermatitis), Medication Allergies, Antibiotic Allergies, Bee/Stinging Insect Allergies, Sinusitis, Coughing/ Wheezing, Hives (urticaria), Anaphylaxis, Skin Allergies, Post-nasal drip, Recurrent Infections and Immunological Disorders.
Making an appointment for allergy testing could be the best thing you ever did regarding your overall health. Simple health issues you might be suffering from that are irritating but bearable, or more severe health issues might be explained as allergic reactions and, if so, are easily treated.