Anaphylaxis
What is it?
A life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can cause shock, a sudden drop in blood pressure and trouble breathing. In people who have an allergy, anaphylaxis can occur minutes after exposure to a specific allergy-causing substance (allergen). In some cases, there may be a delayed reaction, or anaphylaxis may occur without an obvious trigger.
Symptoms:
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Skin reactions, including hives, itching, and skin that becomes flushed or changes color
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Swelling of the face, eyes, lips or throat
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Narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing and trouble breathing or swallowing
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A weak and rapid pulse
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Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
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Dizziness, fainting or unconsciousness
Possible Triggers:
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Medications
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Latex
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Foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish
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Insect stings from bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets and fire ants
Plan of Action:
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Immediately call 911 or your local medical emergency number.
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Ask if the person is carrying an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, others) to treat an allergic attack.
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If the person needs to use an autoinjector, ask whether you should help inject the medication. This is usually done by pressing the autoinjector against the person's thigh.
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Have the person lie face up and be still.
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Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don't give the person anything to drink.
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If there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the person to the side to prevent choking.
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If there are no signs of breathing, coughing or movement, begin CPR. Do uninterrupted chest presses — about 100 every minute — until paramedics arrive.
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Get emergency treatment even if symptoms start to improve. After anaphylaxis, it's possible for symptoms to start again (recur). Monitoring in a hospital for several hours is usually necessary.