Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is an severe, whole-body allergic reaction.  An allergic reaction occurs upon exposure to the allergen a person is sensitized to (specific IgE antibodies.)  This reaction is sudden, severe, and involves the whole body.

 Tissues in different parts of the body release histamine and other chemicals.  Theses compounds cause constriction of the airways, resulting in wheezing, difficulty breathing,  gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Histamine causes the blood vessels to dilate (which lowers blood pressure) and fluid to leak from the bloodstream into the tissues (which lowers the blood volume). These effects result in shock. Fluid can leak into the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs.

Hives and angioedema (swelling) often occur. Angioedema may be severe enough to block the airway. Prolonged anaphylaxis can cause the heart to beat abnormally.

Symptoms develop rapidly, often within seconds or minutes. They may include the following:

• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Rapid or weak pulse
• Blueness of the skin (cyanosis), including the lips or nail beds
• Fainting, light-headedness, dizziness
• Hives and generalized itching
• Anxiety
• Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Skin redness
• Nasal congestion
• Cough
• Death

IF YOU HAVE AN ANAPHYLACTIC REACTION YOU MUST GO TO THE HOSPITAL, EVEN IF YOU USE EPINEPHRINE  AND FEEL MUCH BETTER.  THE EFFECTS OF EPINEPHRINE MAY ONLY LAST 15-20 MIN.  AFTER THE REACTION RESOLVES IT CAN REOCCUR UP TO 24 HOURS AFTER THE INITIAL REACTION.