Anaphylaxis

• Severe, life- threatening allergic reaction

• Occurs as a reaction to an allergen

• Anaphylaxis releases various chemicals in body

• Reactions occur in secs / mins of exposure

• Occurs in 30 per 100,000 individuals per year

Causes

• Food like nuts, milk, eggs, fish

• Insect sting

• Latex

• Vaccines

• Medications like antibiotics, anesthetics

• Some tropical insects, plants, animals

• Unknown causes

What happens?

• On first exposure-allergen specific antibody, Ig-E, produced

• On re-exposure, Ig-E triggers immune response

• This immune response is anaphylaxis

Symptoms

• Tingling / warm sensation

• Itchiness / Rash

• Swelling of areas around mouth / throat 

• Restricted air-ways

• Reduced oxygen level in brain

• Signs of asthma

• Vomiting

• Cramps

• Diarrhea

• Fluid–filled lungs

• Low blood pressure

• Palpitations / feeling faint

• Loss of consciousness

Who is at risk? 

• Those with history of food allergy

• Those with family history of allergies

• Those who have experienced prior attack

Treatment

• If nauseated, lie down on the side

• If feeling faint, lie down, legs raised

• In case of breathing difficulty, sit up

• First time patients should be hospital treated 

• Epinephrine injections – effective treatment 

• Continuous monitoring mandatory

• Severity/ response / prior episodes determine treatment

Prevention

• Avoid allergens as far as possible

• Those at risk should carry adrenalin auto-injector

• Inform school authorities, if children at risk

• Children should wear food allergy badges

• Emergency protocols necessary in schools/ work place

• Educating the public is vital