ANAPHYLAXIS

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction that occurs when the body’s immune system severely overreacts to an allergen.  Foods, insect stings, medications, latex, and other substances can trigger dangerous reactions without warning within minutes or hours of exposure to the allergen.  Anaphylaxis progresses rapidly from mild to severe and involves one or more of the following symptoms:  swelling of the mouth and throat, shortness of breath, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.  Anaphylaxis requires immediate emergency treatment.  An injection of epinephrine should be administered as soon as severe symptoms of an allergic reaction appear.  Even after the dose, the patient ought to visit an emergency room or hospital for further treatment and observation.

P.S.  If an allergist has prescribed an auto-injector of epinephrine for you, be sure to carry it with you at all times.

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