"Anytime your breathing is compromised, or you feel like your face or tongue are starting to swell up, or you start to have stridor — that squeaky kind of breathing — you need to make sure you're calling 911 and getting to the nearest emergency room," she adds.
“But if you're experiencing wheezing, throat swelling or difficulty swallowing, or you're feeling lightheaded or faint, you need to seek emergency care.” A medication called epinephrine, which is injected with a prescription EpiPen, can help prevent anaphylaxis in yourself or your child.
Skin rashes, itching or hives. Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat. Shortness of breath, trouble breathing or wheezing (whistling sound during breathing) Dizziness and/or fainting.
In hospital
an oxygen mask may be used to help breathing. fluids may be given directly into a vein to help increase blood pressure. additional medicines such as antihistamines and steroids may be used to help relieve symptoms. blood tests may be carried out to confirm anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is considered likely to be present if any 1 of the 3 following clinical criteria is satisfied within minutes to hours: Acute symptoms involving skin, mucosal surface, or both, as well as at least one of the following: respiratory compromise, hypotension, or end-organ dysfunction.
Onset of anaphylaxis to stings or allergen injections is usually rapid: 70% begin in < 20 minutes and 90% in < 40 minutes. Food/ingestant anaphylaxis may have slower onset or slow progression. Rapid onset is associated with greater severity.
Most reactions are mild. A severe allergic reaction (i.e. anaphylaxis) involves a person's breathing and/or circulation. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of an allergic reaction and is life threatening. An important aspect of allergy and anaphylaxis management is prevention by avoiding the cause.
Anaphylaxis symptoms occur suddenly and can progress quickly. The early symptoms may be mild, such as a runny nose, a skin rash or a “strange feeling.” These symptoms can quickly lead to more serious problems, including: Trouble breathing. Hives or swelling. Tightness of the throat.
An allergic reaction can typically last from a few hours to a few weeks. If you have prolonged exposure to your allergen, your allergic reaction will usually last longer. The symptom length of an allergic reaction also depends on the allergen and the severity of your response.
Untreated allergies can get worse, with more severe allergy attacks occurring over time. These frequent or prolonged allergic reactions can also weaken your immune system and set you up for dangerous complications, such as bacterial or fungal infections in the sinuses, lungs, ears or skin.
Many allergic reactions are mild, while others can be severe and life threatening. They can be confined to a small area of the body, or they may affect the entire body. The most severe form is called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. Allergic reactions occur more often in people who have a family history of allergies.
If you have a rash and notice any of the following symptoms, see a board-certified dermatologist or go to the emergency room immediately: The rash is all over your body. A rash that covers the body could indicate something concerning, such as an infection or allergic reaction. You have a fever with the rash.
Definition of Anaphylaxis
It can be mild, moderate to severe, or severe. Most cases are mild but any anaphylaxis has the potential to become life-threatening.
Look for pale, cool and clammy skin; a weak, rapid pulse; trouble breathing; confusion; and loss of consciousness. Do the following immediately: Call 911 or emergency medical help.
In rare cases, anaphylaxis may be delayed for hours. Signs and symptoms include: Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin. Low blood pressure (hypotension)
throat tightness or feeling like the throat or airways are closing. hoarseness or trouble speaking. wheezing or cough. nasal stuffiness.
Antihistamines DO NOT stop the progression of an anaphylaxis. Antihistamines only help to decrease itching and reduce mild/moderate swelling of the face, lips and eyes. DO NOT SHOWER as this may contribute to a drop in blood pressure which can escalate the severity of an allergic reaction.
feeling lightheaded or faint. breathing difficulties – such as fast, shallow breathing. wheezing. a fast heartbeat.
Have the person lie face up and be still. Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don't give the person anything to drink. If there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the person to the side to prevent choking.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes after exposure to certain allergens, such as foods, medicines, insect bites and stings as well as other substances that trigger the body's immune response.