|
| What is it? |
| A life-threatening allergic or hypersensitive response to medications and foodstuffs, as well as many other allergy-causing substances. Reactions that occur almost immediately tend to be the most severe. |
|
| Causes |
| Eating or receiving injections of something to which you are sensitive. The allergic response to neutralize or get rid of the material results in a life-threatening overreaction. Substances which cause reactions most often include: |
| * Medication of all types, especially penicillin. Injections are much riskier than oral or eye-drop medications. |
| * Stings or bites from insects, such as bees, wasps, hornets, biting ants and some spiders. |
| * Vaccines |
| * Pollen |
| * Injected chemicals used in some types of X-ray studies |
| * Foods, especially eggs, beans, seafood and fruit |
| * Exercise induced |
|
| Risk Factors |
| * A previous mild allergic response to things listed above. |
| * Medical history of eczema, hay fever or asthma. |
|
| Prevention |
| If you have an allergic history: |
| * Tell the doctor or dentist before accepting any medication. Before you are given a shot, ask what it is. |
| * Keep an anaphylaxis kit, such as an Ana-Kit or Epi-Pen with you at all times. Be sure your family knows how to use the kit if you have a reaction. |
| * If allergic to insect stings, wear protective clothing when outside. |
| * Wear a medical alert type bracelet or pendant warning that you are allergic. |
| * Always remain in the doctor's office 15 minutes after receiving any injection. Report any symptoms immediately. |
| * Your doctor may refer you to an allergist. |
|
| Diagnosis and Treatment |
| General Measures |
| * Without prompt treatment, anaphylaxis can cause shock, cardiac arrest and death. |
| * If you observe signs of anaphylaxis in someone and he or she stops breathing: |
| * Call or have someone call for an ambulance or medical help. (If the victim is a child, perform lifesaving measures for 1 minute before calling for emergency help). |
| * Begin mouth-to-mouth breathing and CPR immediately. |
| * If there is no heartbeart, give external cardiac massage. |
| * Don't stop CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until help arrives |
| * Be alert to the possibility of a reaction when taking any medicine, and be prepared to respond quickly if symptoms occur. If you have had a previous severe allergic reaction, always carry your anaphylaxis kit. |
| * Long-term treatment involves desensitization therapy. |
|
| Medication |
| * Epinephrine by injection is the only effective immediate treatment. (Epi-Pen) |
| * Aminophylline, cortisone drugs or antihistamines, given after the adrenaline, help prevent the return of acute symptoms. |
|
| Activity |
| Resume your normal activities after symptoms improve after an attack. Stay under someone's observation for 24 hours in case symptoms recur. |
|
| Diet |
| Avoid foods to which you are allergic. |
|
| Prognosis |
| Full recovery with prompt treatment. |
