Overview
What is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction which may be potentially life-threatening. It is life-threatening because the allergic reaction affects your vital organs such as the windpipe, lungs, heart or gastrointestinal tract.
Causes
The common causes of anaphylaxis worldwide include food allergies (especially peanut allergy), drug allergies and insect venom allergy.
In Singapore, our most common causes of anaphylaxis in adults are:
Anaphylaxis due to drug allergy is less common locally.
There may be instances where no cause is found. In such cases, the anaphylaxis is termed as "idiopathic".
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
Recognising Mild Allergic Reactions
Not all allergic reactions will result in anaphylaxis. Mild allergic reactions can be treated with antihistamines alone. Signs and symptoms of mild reactions include:
Recognising Anaphylaxis
It is important to recognise the symptoms of anaphylaxis and seek immediate medical attention.
Skin flushing, widespread hives, with any of the following:
Detection & Treatment
How is Anaphylaxis Diagnosed?
An allergist will determine the cause(s) of your anaphylaxis after reviewing your symptoms and history.
Skin tests or blood tests may be performed to help with the diagnosis.
You will also see a Clinical Immunology / Allergy Nurse Clinician, who will provide you with more information on how to avoid your allergic triggers.
Care Management
How is Anaphylaxis Treated?
All patients with anaphylaxis will be prescribed with an epinephrine autoinjector (Epipen®), except for patients with drug-related anaphylaxis. You are encouraged to carry the epinephrine autoinjector with you at all times.
It is also advisable to inform your family members, employers or school personnel about your anaphylaxis. By doing so, they can watch for symptoms and help you avoid your allergy triggers.
Anaphylaxis Action Plan
Take an antihistamine when mild symptoms occur. Be on the alert for worsening symptoms
When symptoms worsen or if you develop anaphylaxis:
A. Use the Epipen® Autoinjector
B. Call for Emergency Help
EpiPen, EpiPen Jr, EpiPen 2-Pak, EpiPen Jr 2-Pak, Never-See-Needle, MYLAN and the Mylan logo are registered trademarks of Mylan Inc. Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh is a registered trademark of Mylan Specialty L.P. EPI-2020-0273
Specialties & Services
