Anaphylaxis Symptoms

One of the most serious allergic reactions can cause death if not treated immediately. Anaphylaxis symptoms are serious, even when they are considered mild. When they get out of control, which can happen very fast, shock or even death can occur. Taking steps to get medical attention right away may end up saving a life.

The first thing you need to know if you or a loved one has allergies is what substances to avoid. The most common allergens that cause anaphylaxis reaction are foods, medications, latex, and insect stings. You can do your best to avoid the things you are allergic to, but accidental ingestion or exposure is what usually causes anaphylaxis to occur.

• Swelling: Swelling usually occurs in the hands, feet, on the face, in the mouth, throat, lips, eyes, and tongue.
• Tingling: Sometimes tingling will occur in the mouth or the throat.
• Digestive distress: Digestive symptoms will happen suddenly, and may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or cramping.
• Skin reactions: Itching, hives, redness, or rash, anywhere on the body.
• Heart: Increased heart rate or palpitations.
• Respiratory: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, air flow restriction, or shortness of breath.
• Mental: Confusion, fear, anxiety, a sudden feeling of doom.

If it really is anaphylaxis, there will be more than one symptom involving more than one area.

The next thing you need to know is what to do. Calling for medical help immediately is the first thing to do. While you are waiting for help to get there, help the victim remain calm and take steps to help with any symptoms the person is experiencing. In the best possible scenario there will be something like an EpiPen available.

The EpiPen will help calm the symptoms enough to give time for medical help to arrive. If there isn't one available, treating with an antihistamine such as Benadryl will help. If there are any respiratory symptoms, using an asthma rescue inhaler should help with those.

Anaphylaxis symptoms can be scary, but if there is immediate help there is almost always a full recovery. If you want more information about anaphylaxis symptoms, visit Allergy Anaphylaxis.