What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and is potentially life threatening. Anaphylaxis should be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment.
The key features of anaphylaxis are:
- a generalised allergic reaction with respiratory and/or cardiovascular involvement
- involvement of many parts of the body
- rapid onset and progression
Signs and symptoms
Anaphylaxis occurs after exposure to an allergen (foods like nuts, egg, milk, insect stings or some medicines). Occasionally the person is unaware of the allergy. It results in potentially life-threatening symptoms, which include:
- Difficulty/noisy breathing
- Swelling of tongue
- Swelling/tightness in throat
- Difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice
- Wheeze or persistent cough
- Loss of consciousness and/or collapse
- Pale and floppy (in young children)
In some cases, anaphylaxis is preceded by less dangerous allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
- Swelling of face, lips and eyes
- Hives or welts on the skin
- Stomach pain, vomiting
Several factors can influence the severity of anaphylaxis, including asthma, exercise, heat, and alcohol.
Anaphylaxis Guidelines
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