Overview
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.
Anaphylaxis Action Plan - Mild Symptoms
Not all allergic reactions will result in anaphylaxis. Mild allergic reactions can be treated with antihistamines alone.
Signs and symptoms of mild reactions include:
- Urticaria (also known as "hives" or "wheals")
- Mild swelling of the eyes or lips
- Tingling sensation around the mouth or of the tongue
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing, blocked nose, nasal discharge
Anaphylaxis Action Plan - Severe Symptoms
It is important to recognise the symptoms of anaphylaxis and seek immediate medical attention.
Skin flushing, widespread hives, with any of the following:
- Throat tightness with altered voice, difficulty in speaking or swallowing
- Chest tightness, difficulty in breathing
- Rapid heart beat (palpitations)
- Giddiness, feeling faint or losing consciousness
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
Detection & Treatment
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
How is Anaphylaxis Treated?
Your allergist will decide if you need to carry an epinephrine autoinjector (Epipen®). 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.
What to Do for Mild Symptoms
- Take an antihistamine such as chlorpheniramine
- Be on the alert for worsening symptoms
- Repeat antihistamine as appropriate until mild symptoms resolve
What to Do for Anaphylaxis
- Use your Epipen® autoinjector
- Call 995 for an ambulance
- Do not drive to a hospital, even if you feel well after the injection.
- If you have an inhaler, use your blue inhaler if you have difficulty breathing
Care Management
How to use the Epipen® autoinjector?
- Remove the Epipen® from its protective casing and pull off the blue safety release cap.
- Place the orange tip against your outer thigh
- Push down firmly until there is a "click" sound and hold the Epipen® in place for at least 3 seconds. Remove the Epipen® from your thigh.
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.
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