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Anaphylaxis(Anaphylactic Reaction; Severe Allergic Reaction)How to Say It: ANNA-fill-AX-is
by
Amy Scholten, MPH DefinitionAnaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. It can be life threatening. It needs to be treated right away. CausesAnaphylaxis is caused by the immune system overreacting to allergens or triggers. It is not always known what triggers it. Common triggers are:
Risk FactorsThings that may raise the risk are:
SymptomsSymptoms often occur within minutes after contact with an allergen. Some may happen hours later. They may be mild or severe enough to cause death. Symptoms may be:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This may be enough to make a diagnosis. Blood and urine tests may also be done. You may be referred to a doctor who treats allergies. TreatmentAnaphylaxis needs medical care right away, including:
Severe anaphylaxis may require:
PreventionTo reduce the risk of anaphylaxis:
RESOURCES:American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology http://www.aaaai.org FARE—Food Allergy Research & Education https://www.foodallergy.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Allergy Asthma Information Association https://www.aaaai.org Food Allergy Canada https://foodallergycanada.ca References:
Anaphylaxis.
EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/anaphylaxis. Accessed January 29, 2021. Anaphylaxis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 29, 2021. Kelly KJ, Sussman G. Latex allergy: where are we now and how did we get there? J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2017;5(5):1212-1216. Last reviewed Janaury 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Shawna Grubb, RN Last Updated: 3/1/2021 | |