Systemic Anaphylaxis

Each year, thousands of people suffer from systemic anaphylaxis. Systemic anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause shock, or even death. It is a life threatening situation, where the whole system is affected by an allergen, responds with an allergic reaction to exercise, or sometimes has a systemic anaphylaxis reaction for no known reason.

Systemic anaphylaxis involves more than one symptom involving more than one part of the body. It comes on suddenly, and if not treated immediately, can cause death. Systemic anaphylaxis kills about 400 people a year in the United States alone. Knowing the symptoms is important, especially if you or one of your children has allergies to food, medication, latex, or insect stings. Also at a high risk are people with allergies that include asthma symptoms.

Systemic anaphylaxis symptoms may seem mild at first, but can rapidly grow so bad that they can cause death. The symptoms include:

• Swelling in the mouth, on the lips or face, hands, feet, and in the throat
• Tingling sensation in the mouth or throat
• Itching with or without hives redness or rash
• Sudden digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, hoarseness, restricted air flow
• Heart palpitations
• Feeling of warmth
• Confusion, feeling of doom or sudden fear

If it's a systemic anaphylaxis reaction, it will involve more than one area of the body and have more than one symptom. Acting quickly to get the necessary medical attention, remaining calm , using an EpiPen if one is available, giving a dose of antihistamine, and using a rescue inhaler for any respiratory symptoms are all things you can do while you are waiting for help.

Systemic anaphylaxis can be scary, but being informed about what to do if it happens to you or someone you love may save a life. For more information about systemic anaphylaxis, visit Allergy Anaphylaxis.