Anaphylaxis causes a life threatening medical disorder which if not promptly treated can result in death. Anaphylaxis can occur within a few seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen which may be a particular food, plant or bee sting. The condition can quickly become a medical emergency and most individuals need urgent treatment. When anaphylaxis treatment is delayed, death is often the end result.

Anaphylaxis occurs when the body’s immune system reacts in an extreme method to foreign material. Normally the body makes cells which guard against foreign material like bacteria and does not cause a major reaction. However, in some allergic individuals the body sets of an amplified response to foreign material which results in release of hundreds of potent chemicals. The flood of chemicals released by your immune system can produce the anaphylaxis symptoms which are characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure, airways narrowing, wheezing, flushing of face and difficulty breathing. Anaphylaxis requires an immediate trip to the emergency room and an injection of epinephrine.

Anaphylactic reactions are most likely to occur in individuals whom are susceptible, have allergies or may have taken a medication to which they are sensitive.
The classic anaphylaxis symptoms include:
- Rapid and weak pulse
- Skin rash
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sensation of feeling lightheaded
- Skin will be cold, clammy
- confusion
Common triggers of anaphylaxis include certain foods (peanuts, fish, milk, and eggs), some medications (penicillin), insect venom (bee stings), poison ivy and latex. The diagnosis of anaphylaxis is usually confirmed with skin and blood tests.
Once the reaction has started, emergent anaphylactic treatment is required. If your heart has stopped beating, CPR is required. Other anaphylaxis treatment includes the following:
- Epinephrine- this drug reduces the allergic reactions and stimulates the heart to beat
- IV fluids are administered to increase blood pressure
- Anti histamines are administered to stop hives and itching
- If breathing is still difficult, one may also need drugs to open up the airways
Most people who develop an anaphylactic shock are treated in a hospital for several days. If you ever witness an anaphylactic shock, the first thing to do is call 911 and then attend to the patient. Administer medications like epinephrine auto injector or an antihistamine right away. Most people whom are at risk for anaphylaxis carry an auto injector. This device comes with a prefilled syringe and needle and is administered into the thigh.
Individuals whom are allergic should be prepared. Always carry self administered epinephrine, wear a medical bracelet and alert your physician of all your allergies. Always keep an emergency kit with prescribed medications available. If you have allergies to food, read labels and if you are allergic to insects, use caution when going outside.
In most cases, anaphylactic shock can be prevented by using a common sense approach. Anaphylaxis causes a range of symptoms but to be safe you should always educate those around you on what to do just in case of an emergency.