Allergy Anaphylaxis

Dealing with Allergy Anaphylaxis

Millions of people suffer from allergies, and sometimes the symptoms can be extremely severe- even to the point of being life threatening. Allergy anaphylaxis can be deadly if not treated immediately upon seeing symptoms.

Knowing what the symptoms are, and how to treat them, is important. If you or anyone in your family has allergic reactions to food, medication, insect stings and bites, or latex, you need to be educated about what the symptoms of anaphylaxis are and how to treat it.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis:

• Swelling in or around the mouth, tongue and throat, hands eyelids, or feet
• Difficulty breathing, restricted airways, tight chest, possible wheezing
• Hives or redness on the skin with itching
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Getting dizzy or fainting
• Feeling of warmth
• Confusion, fear or anxiety
• Abdominal problems such as nausea diarrhea or vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing

If there are two or more symptoms present, representing two different bodily functions (such as throat and abdominal, or skin and throat, or any other combination), you may be having anaphylactic allergy symptoms. If swelling occurs quickly, especially in the mouth or throat, or there is dizziness, or fainting, seeking medical attention immediately may be a matter of life or death.

The symptoms of anaphylaxis from allergies can be subtle. Sometimes they are very mild and may not be recognized as being important to notice, but when they don't go away or become more severe than normal, it can be much more dangerous than usual. If you have a food allergy that has mild symptoms or even sensitivity to a certain food, and you exercise or become very physically active after you eat it, you may experience something called exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

People who have allergic reactions such as asthma are at a great risk of having an allergic anaphylactic reaction. Using a rescue inhaler, such as Albuterol, can help calm the symptoms. If you experience hives, itching, swelling, or tingling, taking a medication containing Diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, may help. Rather than doing these things instead of getting medical attention, you should do them while waiting for an ambulance. There is no knowing how severe the reaction can be, so seeking medical attention is necessary, and it may save your life.

Taking preventive measures is the best thing you can do. Taking any medications that have been recommended to keep your allergies under control is important, so is doing your best to avoid exposure to the things you are allergic too. Informing your family and others you are around regularly, making them aware of the symptoms and how to react if you experience them will insure that if you develop an allergy anaphylaxis reaction, you will get the help you need.

For more information visit Allergy Anaphylaxis.