Anaphylaxis is a severe form of allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. An anaphylactic response happens when the body’s immune response system overreacts to the presence of a trigger substance and treats it as a threat to the body.
A trigger substance is anything that you are allergic to, such as nuts or penicillin. This trigger substance then releases a swell of chemicals, like histamine, which swells blood vessels in the body and restricts breathing.
Who gets anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis happens to people who have severe allergies. Allergic reactions can vary from mild symptoms to life-threatening ones like anaphylactic shock. You never really know the severity of reaction you’ll have until you come into contact with the trigger substance. This is what can make allergic reactions so dangerous.
If you believe that you’re allergic to a certain substance, you should let our clinical team know. They can advise you on alternative treatments if a specific medication isn’t suitable for you.
How common is anaphylaxis?
Global prevalence data is difficult to get, but allergy and anaphylaxis prevalence is increasing year on year. It's believed that the figures could be rising for a couple of reasons. One reason could be that we are getting better at diagnosing allergies now that they are much more common than they used to be.
Another previously held theory was that children are growing up in a more sanitary environment than they used to; and because these children aren’t being exposed to as many germs or bacteria, their immune systems aren't working as they should. However there’s a growing consensus that this probably isn’t actually the case .
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Anaphylaxis
What causes anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is caused when the body’s immune system wrongly perceives a certain trigger to be a threat. This trigger then activates an antibody in your body called immunoglobulin E (IgE). It’s this antibody that causes a sudden rush of chemicals, including histamine. This sudden rush forces your blood vessels to swell and your breathing to become restricted. If medical attention is not sought immediately, it can cause heart failure and death.
Some of the more common triggers include foods such as nuts, fish and milk, but it can also be insect stings, certain medications or latex. Allergic reactions vary from person to person and some people aren't allergic to anything at all. Allergy tests can be requested through your clinician. These will test your body's reaction to common substances that people are allergic to.
What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis can happen very suddenly when you come into contact with a trigger substance. Symptoms can often include:
feeling lightheaded or faint
breathing difficulties – such as fast, shallow breathing wheezing
a fast heartbeat
clammy skin
confusion and anxiety
collapsing or losing consciousness
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should call an ambulance immediately. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires emergency treatment.
Can anaphylaxis lead to other problems?
Anaphylaxis is a problem in itself and is caused by a reaction to other problems, like your body wrongly perceiving something to be a threat. Due to the severity of its nature, it should be avoided wherever possible. It can be particularly stressful if you have an allergy to a common substance like nuts.
If you’re at risk of anaphylaxis, it’s very important that you carry your treatment with you at all times. You should also check that your treatment is in date and seek new treatment if it isn’t.
Anaphylaxis
What medications are there for anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis treatment comes in the form of an emergency injection of adrenaline. There are three different types of injection available. These are EpiPen, Emerade and Jext. Each injection will have different instructions for usage. These instructions can be found in the package leaflets that come with your medication. Our clinicians can talk you through these treatments before you use them, and you can contact them should you have any worries or doubts. Just sign in to your account and send them a message.
Is there a ‘best’ treatment for anaphylaxis?
The best treatment for anaphylaxis is an immediate delivery of adrenaline from your auto-injector when symptoms start. Even when adrenaline has been injected, you should still call an ambulance straight away. If an ambulance hasn’t arrived within 10 minutes then another shot of adrenaline should be administered. This is why it is important that people at risk of anaphylaxis carry at least two auto-injectors with them at all times.
Does anaphylaxis always need treatment?
It’s important that anaphylaxis is always treated immediately in order to reduce the risk of death. Anaphylaxis is a serious condition and must always be treated as such, especially when symptoms show. Prevention is just as important as treatment itself, so allergy sufferers should familiarise themselves with their triggers to reduce the risk of an attack happening.
Anaphylaxis
FAQ: Anaphylaxis
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How is anaphylaxis diagnosed?
Answer:
Most people will typically be diagnosed with anaphylaxis when discussing their past allergic reactions with clinicians or other medical professionals. If you’ve had any allergic reactions in the past and are worried about anaphylaxis, then chat with our clinician. They’ll be happy to offer help and advice on the matter.
Are there tests for anaphylaxis?
Answer:
You can have a blood test to measure how likely you are to suffer from an attack. This blood test measures the amount of tryptase (an enzyme that is particularly common after anaphylaxis) that’s in your system. You can also have a skin test that determines your allergic triggers and the severity of them.
Can you get side effects from adrenaline auto-injectors?
Answer:
Negative effects from adrenaline auto-injectors are possible. More specific information on these effects can be found in your medication’s product leaflet. Because anaphylaxis is so severe, it’s unlikely that negative symptoms from auto-injectors will be any worse than the anaphylaxis that they treat.
Does anaphylaxis treatment always work?
Answer:
Adrenaline auto-injectors have been widely accepted as the first and most effective forms of anaphylaxis treatment. However, they’re just one part of anaphylaxis treatment and professional medical attention is usually required. Auto-injectors have been shown to increase the survival rate and recovery of sufferers when used correctly.
Why should I buy anaphylaxis treatment online with Treated?
Answer:
Anaphylaxis is very serious, and the prospect of it happening can be stressful. We’re here to make getting treatment for it easy for you. Talk to us about your health, and we’ll recommend medication that’s safe and suitable. You can then choose which treatment you’d like, and how frequently you’d like to receive it from us.
Our clinicians will reach out to you regularly to make sure your treatment is working the way it should. Change, pause or cancel your subscription anytime.
Microbial exposures that establish immunoregulation are compatible with targeted hygiene. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 148(1), pp.33–39. [Accessed 17 Dec. 2021].
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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