How Is Anaphylaxis Treated?
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Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DOMedically reviewed by Michael Menna, DOAnaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. It is a severe, whole-body reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis can occur when a person’s immune system is hypersensitive to a substance like bee venom or a certain food like peanuts. While most allergic reactions are mild to moderate, some people are at risk of anaphylaxis. Signs of anaphylaxis include skin flushing, itching, and breathing problems. The first goal of anaphylaxis treatment is to address any breathing problems. At the first sign of anaphylaxis, healthcare providers recommend administering one or two doses of Epinephrine (adrenaline). This medication is a form of adrenaline that can open the airways and improve breathing. An allergist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies. If you have allergies or are at risk of anaphylaxis, you can work with your allergist to develop an emergency treatment plan. Symptoms That Require Immediate TreatmentIt's important to treat anaphylaxis at the first sign of a reaction. Here are some symptoms: Respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughingSkin flushing, facial swelling, itchingGastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like abdominal pain and vomitingEmergency CareAnaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. This hypersensitivity reaction can be fatal if left untreated. It happens quickly and affects the entire body. Recognizing your body’s allergies and triggers is critical so you can act quickly if exposed.Exposure to certain medications, foods, or other substances may lead to anaphylaxis if your body is allergic to them. Common substances that are associated with allergies include bee stings, fire ant bites, latex, and foods.
Common Food AllergiesFoods most likely to cause allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, wheat, spelt, rye, barley, soy, red meat, and sesame.
EpinephrineMedications are the main treatment option for anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is considered the first-line treatment, meaning it's typically the first medication administered. It's a form of adrenaline used to relax and open the airways. Epinephrine causes several changes in the body, and it acts quickly. When used to treat anaphylaxis, it relaxes the airway muscles to allow breathing. Epinephrine is available in an autoinjector that can be administered through clothing. Healthcare providers usually recommend injecting epinephrine into the thigh muscle. EpiPen is a common brand. It is best to err on the side of caution and administer epinephrine immediately if you are unsure whether or not you or someone with you is experiencing anaphylaxis.If the first epinephrine dose is ineffective, a second dose may be needed (e.g., after about five minutes). Work with your allergist to develop an emergency plan and know your correct epinephrine dose. Possible Side EffectsPossible side effects of epinephrine include:Tachycardia (racing heart rate)Hypertension (high blood pressure)Nausea or vomitingChest painWeaknessPain, redness, or irritation at the injection siteOther MedicationsSeek care in an emergency room if you believe you or someone with you may be experiencing anaphylaxis. Call 911 and administer any prescription medications like epinephrine at the first sign. Once you are admitted to the emergency department, your treatment team may administer the following medications:Intravenous (IV) fluids to treat hypotensionCorticosteroids to reduce the severity and length of the reaction (e.g., methylprednisolone or hydrocortisone)Antihistamines to reduce the body’s immune response (e.g., diphenhydramine)Bronchodilators to open the airways (e.g., albuterol or ipratropium bromide and albuterol)Your healthcare team will continue to assess your health status and give additional medications if needed. Most people need to stay in the emergency room for at least four hours after an anaphylactic reaction to ensure that the reaction is over and the person is stable. Steps To TakeUntreated anaphylaxis can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure), incontinence, fainting, shock, and death. If you or someone you are with develops symptoms of anaphylaxis, take the following steps immediately:Call 911.Administer emergency medication if available. Do not attempt to give oral medications if the person is having difficulty breathing. Remove the allergen if possible. If a person was stung by a bee, attempt to scrape the stinger off the skin to remove it. Avoid pinching or squeezing the stinger because those actions could cause it to release more venom. Have the person lie flat and stay with them. Do not place a pillow under their head because this could block their airway. Prognosis and Life ExpectancyAnaphylaxis is a medical emergency and may be fatal if left untreated. At the first sign of anaphylaxis, call 911 and administer emergency medication.Without treatment, anaphylaxis can lead to a blocked airway, cardiac arrest, breathing problems, and shock. The risk of death is low with rapid treatment.After experiencing anaphylaxis, your healthcare team will likely have you remain in the emergency department for about four hours for observation. You will probably not need to stay overnight. Less than 4% of people who experience a severe allergic reaction require hospitalization. Living With and Managing AnaphylaxisLiving with the risk of anaphylaxis for you or a loved one can be frightening. Having an emergency plan in place is essential for your health and can reduce anxiety. Here are some recommendations:Know your body’s triggers. Be aware of any foods, medications, or other substances that cause an allergic reaction, and avoid them as much as possible.When eating out, communicate your food allergies and ask for a list of ingredients if available. If you're allergic to insect stings, take safety precautions, such as wearing shoes and long sleeves and avoiding scented body products.Always keep emergency medications, such as an epinephrine autoinjector, with you. Consider keeping one at home, school, work, and in your vehicle.Tell family and friends about your triggers and show them how to use your epinephrine.Consider wearing a medical ID tag that states your allergies and what to do in the case of a severe allergic reaction. Talk with your allergist about what to do if you experience anaphylaxis.Be S.A.F.E.The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology worked with allergists and emergency physicians to develop the following Be S.A.F.E. Action Plan for people at risk:Seek immediate medical help Identify the AllergenFollow up with a specialistCarry Epinephrine for emergencies Anaphylaxis is a serious, life-threatening reaction, but it is treatable. Know your emergency plan and follow it at the first sign of anaphylaxis. See your allergist and healthcare team regularly to update your plan as needed. For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Health.com.
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