Anaphylaxis and allergic reaction specialists, Allergy & Asthma Consultants are here in the Atlanta Metro area, with 4 convenient locations.
Anaphylaxis(an-a-fi-LAK-sis) is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction, typically when the body overreacts to an allergen. The most common anaphylactic reactions are to medications, food, and insect stings.
When your body is allergic to a substance, the body’s immune system may overreact to the allergen by releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. These symptoms typically occur in a single organ of the body such as your skin. However, some people may be susceptible to a much more serious anaphylactic reaction that can affect more than one part of the body simultaneously.
Anaphylaxis should be regarded as a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical treatment. An injection of epinephrine and a trip to the emergency room is warranted by a reaction. If not treated properly, anaphylaxis can prove fatal.
Allergy & Asthma Consultants has the experience, equipment and medication readily available for Anaphylaxis treatment.
While anyone can have an anaphylaxis reaction, people with allergies and asthma and with a family history of anaphylaxis are at higher risk. And, once you’ve experienced anaphylaxis your risk of having another episode is increased.
The first step in anaphylaxis treatment is accurate diagnosis. One of our allergy physicians can diagnose and develop a treatment plan to help you prevent a future episode.
ANAPHYLAXIS SYMPTOMS
Anaphylaxis symptoms typically begin within 5 to 30 minutes of coming into contact with an allergen. In some instances you may not notice anaphylactic symptoms for more than an hour.
Reactions typically occur in more than one part of the body and may include:
- Red rash, with hives/welts, usually itchy
- Swollen throat or other swollen areas of the body
- Hoarse voice
- Wheezing
- Passing out
- Chest tightness
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramping
- Pale or red color to the face and body
- Feeling of impending doom
ANAPHYLAXIS DIAGNOSIS
To determine your risk of anaphylaxis or to determine if previous symptoms were anaphylaxis-related, our allergists will thoroughly examine your medical history and test for all potential causes. We’ll ask for specific details regarding all your previous allergic reactions.
ANAPHYLAXIS TREATMENT
For Anaphylaxis treatment, we recommend:
- Avoid any allergens that may trigger an allergic reaction in your body
- Always be prepared for an emergency
If you are at risk of anaphylaxis, it’s imperative that you carry an auto-injectible epinephrine (adrenaline). This is a single dose of medication that you inject into the thigh to help arrest an anaphylactic emergency. You then need to go to the emergency room.
It’s also important that family members and others around you are familiar with use of the auto-injector.
Our allergy doctors will develop an anaphylaxis action plan to keep on file at school, work or other places where other people may need to recognize your symptoms and provide immediate treatment.
IMPORTANT
Any time you think you’re having an anaphylactic reaction, inject your auto injectible epinephrine and call 9-1-1 immediately. Don’t take an antihistamine or wait to see if symptoms get better. Your life depends on this. Do not wait to get Anaphylaxis treatment.
