A Beginner’s Guide to Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that affects the whole body and can be life-threatening. Reactions may start within a matter of minutes but can take a few hours to take effect. They can then progress extremely quickly, meaning that emergency treatment is always a priority.

Causes of Anaphylaxis

Foods are typically the cause of anaphylaxis, particularly items such as sesame seeds, fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, tree nuts and peanuts. Other foods can also be triggers and can have serious consequences, even in tiny amounts.

Things like exercise, medicine, latex or wasp and bee stings can also cause anaphylaxis. When people react without a known cause, this is known as idiopathic anaphylaxis.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

An allergic reaction is normally considered to be anaphylaxis when it has an effect on blood pressure, heart rhythm or breathing. Blood pressure can fall dramatically and the sufferer can become floppy and weak. A person may come out in hives, have an itching or tingling mouth, or have swelling of the eyes, lips, or face. They may also vomit or experience stomach pain.

Treating Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

Immediate first aid is needed when anaphylaxis occurs. Basic emergency first aid training courses can help to ensure that people are equipped to give support. To ensure you are prepared in an emergency you can visit Tidal Training or another specialist training provider and check out the training available.

People who are at risk of anaphylaxis may also have an adrenaline pen to use in an emergency. These are known as adrenaline auto-injectors or AAIs. It is recommended that people at risk carry at least two AAIs, as a second dose may be needed if the first one doesn’t cause symptoms to improve.

Protecting Yourself from Anaphylaxis

There are things people can do to minimise the risk of anaphylaxis, like making sure that pre-existing conditions such as asthma are well-managed and known allergens are avoided. An emergency allergy action plan is also recommended to ensure that the relevant people know what to do in an emergency.