Anaphylaxis Symptoms and Treatment Options
At Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center, our allergy doctors help patients at risk of anaphylaxis due to their allergies. With many types of allergies potentially causing a severe reaction, it’s vital that adults or children who are experiencing symptoms receive guidance from an allergist. Anaphylaxis is primarily characterized by a rapid onset of life-threatening symptoms. Our allergy doctors work with Atlanta-area patients to alleviate severe allergy symptoms and the threat of anaphylaxis.
What Causes Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is an extreme reaction to contact with an allergen. Within minutes or even seconds of exposure to an allergic trigger, an individual can experience an intense and life-threatening reaction.
Anaphylaxis occurs when your body comes into contact with a substance that leads to the release of antibodies. The extreme response is an overreaction to the antibodies, with your body incorrectly perceiving a threat. Common allergies that lead to anaphylaxis in Atlanta patients include peanuts, shellfish, milk, insect stings and medications.
While this allergen exposure and immune system response may only cause mild or moderate symptoms in some patients, others could experience a life-threatening reaction. Multiple factors, including levels of allergen-specific IgE antibodies, genetic factors and mast cell sensitivity can influence how the body responds. Those with additional allergies, a concurrent illness, and recent exposure to the allergen may be most at risk.
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
The onset of anaphylaxis can be sudden, and the condition can quickly get worse. There are common anaphylaxis symptoms that many people experience.
- Breathing issues
- Wheezing
- Increased heart rate
- Lightheaded feeling
- Confusion
- Hives
- Clammy skin
With severe anaphylaxis there may be a rapid deterioration in your condition. A quick response is the best way to counter a serious allergic reaction. If you cannot avoid exposure to your allergy trigger, recognizing the symptoms and carrying your medication offers security.
Effective Treatment for Anaphylaxis
If a person is experiencing anaphylactic shock, it’s important to respond quickly.
- Call 911 for medical assistance.
- Press their epinephrine auto-injector into a thigh.
- Place the person on their back and raise their feet off the ground.
- Use CPR if they have stopped breathing.
If you or your child experienced a first-time anaphylactic reaction, our allergy doctors can develop a treatment plan to identify exactly what is causing this allergic response.
Allergy Treatments to Prevent Anaphylaxis
Preventing anaphylaxis is considered as part of a broader allergy treatment plan that aims to minimize symptoms, provide relief, and improve a patient’s well-being.
- Conduct allergy tests to determine the source of the reaction.
- Use avoidance to minimize contact with any allergens.
- Provide an epinephrine auto-injector for emergencies.
- Discuss alternative treatments like oral immunotherapy, allergy shots, rush immunotherapy.
For patients with severe reactions, desensitization is often the most effective treatment for allergies. Oral immunotherapy for food allergies and allergy shots for environmental allergies aim to desensitize the immune system to the presence of allergens. Through safe, continued exposure to the allergen, patients build tolerance over time, resulting in a reduced chance of experiencing anaphylaxis. Many patients can eventually tolerate the allergen without any noticeable symptoms at all.
Common Questions About Anaphylaxis
Is there a cure for anaphylaxis?
There is no single cure for the allergies that cause anaphylaxis. However, there are effective treatments that can drastically reduce the risks. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) helps many allergy sufferers desensitize their immune systems to allergens. With this treatment, tolerance levels are gradually increased until the allergy triggers don’t produce a reaction.
How do I know if I am at risk for anaphylaxis?
You are most at risk if you have asthma, experience severe allergic reactions to any substance, have previously experienced anaphylaxis and/or suffer from heart disease.
What are the most common food allergies causing anaphylaxis?
The most common problem foods include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy and shellfish. If you are allergic to any of these foods, practicing avoidance is advised.
Don't Delay Treating the Triggers of Anaphylaxis
Do you have concerns about allergies and the threat of anaphylaxis? At Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center, our skilled allergists are here to help you or your child avoid any serious allergic reactions. Make an appointment at one of our allergy treatment centers located in the Atlanta area. Call (678) 668-4688 to get help today.
