What Is Anaphylaxis?

 Posted on June 12, 2023 in Uncategorized

Did you know that every 1 in 50 US citizens suffers from an anaphylactic reaction? Triggered by exposure to allergens, Anaphylaxis is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. An anaphylactic shock causes your immune system to release chemicals (like histamine), which lower the blood pressure and narrow the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Signs of Anaphylaxis include skin rashes, weak pulse, vomiting, nausea, wheezing, and swelling. Keep reading to learn more about Anaphylaxis and what you should do to treat an anaphylactic reaction.

Causes of Anaphylaxis

Food allergy is one of the most common triggers of Anaphylaxis. Food items that can lead to an anaphylactic shock include:

● Peanuts

● Milk

● Sesame

● Soy

● Wheat

● Eggs

● Shellfish

● Fish

● Tree nuts

Other triggers of Anaphylaxis are:

● Insect stings

● Latex

● Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the dye used in CT scans.

● Venom allergies include stings from fire ants, wasps, yellow jackets, bees, and hornets.

Even though it isn’t common, some people can also get an anaphylactic reaction from aerobic exercise like jogging, walking, or running. Furthermore, eating specific foods before or while exercising or working out on an extremely hot, humid, or cold day can also lead to Anaphylaxis. However, note that the cause of Anaphylaxis can vary from person to person. Thus, it is important to get tested to determine the real cause of the anaphylactic reaction in your case.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

During an anaphylactic reaction, your immune system releases a flood of chemicals into the bloodstream. These chemicals trigger your nervous system, causing a sudden inflammatory response throughout the body. Common symptoms of Anaphylaxis include:

● Shortness of breath

● Swelling

● Hives

● Red rashes

● Difficulty breathing

● Wheezing

● Vomiting

● Diarrhea

● Abdominal cramps

● Chest tightness

● The feeling of dread or doom

● Anxiety

● Confusion

● Low blood pressure

● Weak pulse

● Dizziness

● Thorat constriction

Typically, symptoms of Anaphylaxis start after 5 to 30 minutes of exposure to the allergen. For instance, if you are allergic to peanuts, you might go into anaphylactic shock after eating a biscuit with peanuts in it. However, this is not always the case. In some cases, the symptoms can start even after an hour of eating the food or getting stung by a bee.

It is important to identify the symptoms as if not treated in a timely manner; Anaphylaxis can lead to kidney failure, brain damage, heart attack, cardiogenic shock, and even death.

Anaphylaxis | Daignoses and Treatment

The healthcare provider will question you about your medical history and if you have had any previous reactions to insect stings or bites, medications, latex, or foods. In order to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will conduct skin and blood tests.

In consideration of your symptoms, the healthcare provider will prescribe you an epinephrine injection. They will advise you to carry it wherever you go and inject it whenever you have an anaphylactic reaction. In case the symptoms don’t go after injecting the epi-pen, wait for 15 minutes and then inject it once again. After you have received the emergency treatment for Anaphylaxis, the healthcare provider might also give you drugs, including beta-agonists, corticosteroids, and antihistamines.

Anaphylaxis | Prevention Tips

Luckily, preventing an anaphylactic shock is possible. Follow the below-mentioned Anaphylaxis prevention tips to minimize the risk of suffering from a severe allergic reaction:

● Always carry an epinephrine injection (Epi-pen) wherever you go.

● Before buying food, make sure to read the label and ingredients.

● When ordering food at a restaurant or from a local food vendor, ask the chef about the ingredients and inform them about your allergy.

● Don’t walk barefoot on grass.

Things You Should Know About Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical care. If left untreated, the allergic reaction can rapidly progress and become life-threatening. So, if someone you know is having an anaphylactic reaction, here is what you should do:

● Look for the symptoms, including swollen lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, skin rashes, weak pulse, confusion, diarrhea, cramping, and vomiting.

● Call 911 or ask if there’s a doctor nearby.

● Ask the person if they have an epi-pen and help them with injecting it.

● In case the person is unconscious, lay them on their side and give them CPR.

● If they have difficulty breathing, assist them in sitting up. This will make it easier for them to breathe.

● Consider wearing a medical necklace or bracelet that indicates your allergies. This will provide vital information to medical professionals in case of an emergency.

● Be cautious when visiting a new hotel, restaurant, or mall. Ask the staff about their protocols for handling an allergic reaction and inform them about your allergies.  

After arriving on-site, medical professionals will help the person in anaphylactic shock in the following ways:

● Perform a Tracheostomy: The healthcare provider will place a tube into the trachea to help the patient breathe. They might also be placed in the airway through the mouth or nose.

● Inject IV fluids.

● Give IV medications to improve the heart rate and circulatory system.

● Prescribe steroids and antihistamines to reduce Anaphylaxis symptoms.

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Looking for legal assistance with food allergies? Newland & Newland, LLP’s dedicated team of highly-qualified lawyers specialize in handling food allergy cases, ensuring that your concerns are heard, and your legal rights are safeguarded. The food allergy lawyers will build a strong case against the defendant, ensuring you get the financial award you deserve.

Did you or a loved one suffer an anaphylactic reaction due to the negligence of someone else? Contact us to hire a food allergy lawsuit attorney in Chicago, Libertyville, Crystal Lake, Joliet, and Itasca.