Awareness about anaphylaxis crucial to prevent fatalities

Education is a panacea for many ills and who knows it better than US health experts who have set a public campaign rolling, to inform the public about the virulence of an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis can actually descend upon its victim silently and with such alacrity, affecting many parts of the body. Food, insect stings, medications, and latex spur the allergy, which is the cause of nearly 1,500 deaths in the United States.

Dr. Phil Lieberman, co-chair of the campaign said, "Many deaths from anaphylaxis are preventable with immediate medical attention. For some, especially those with asthma, it can take just one to two minutes for a mild allergic reaction to escalate to anaphylaxis. That's why it's critical for people to know how to take action."

The symptoms for the allergic reaction may show up as inflammation of the tongue, throat and nose; itchiness and redness on the skin, eyelids, lips or other parts of the body; cramping and vomiting or diarrhea; dizziness and fainting or loss of consciousness; and even wheezing or breathing difficulty.

Details on handling emergencies are available at www.acaai.org/public/

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis refers to a severe allergic reaction in which there are prominent dermal and systemic signs and symptoms. The full-blown syndrome includes urticaria (hives) and angioedema.

Allergy

An allergy is a hypersensitive disorder of immune system. Substances that often cause allergic reactions are pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, food, insect stings and medicines.

Allergy - Symptom Evaluation

An allergic reaction may be mild or severe. It usually involves the skin, respiratory system, eyes, digestive system or blood pressure.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis, the acute life-threatening allergic reaction caused by insect bites or eating certain foods, requires immediate emergency treatment as it can be fatal.