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CareNotes System - Anaphylaxis (General Information)
Anaphylaxis
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it? Anaphylaxis (an-ah-fi-LAK-sis) is also called anaphylactic or allergic shock. It occurs when your body is irritated by an allergen. An allergen is something that you are allergic to. When an allergen gets into your blood stream, your body tries to fight it by having an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency! You can die from anaphylaxis if it is not treated as soon as possible.
What causes anaphylaxis? Anything that you are allergic to can cause anaphylaxis. You may be allergic to foods such nuts, shellfish, fruits, eggs, or milk. Other causes of anaphylaxis may be medicine such as penicillin, aspirin, or dyes used to take x-rays. Stings or bites from bees, spiders, or biting ants may also cause a serious reaction. Latex in gloves or other things may cause anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis may also be caused by exercise, or being in cold weather.
What are the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis? Any of the following signs or symptoms may appear seconds or minutes after the allergen has entered your body. The attack may last a few minutes or a few hours. Anaphylaxis is usually sudden and very serious.
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Abdominal (belly) problems:
- Diarrhea (loose BMs) or stomach cramps.
- Nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
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Breathing problems:
- Chest tightness, wheezing, or feeling short of breath.
- Coughing.
- Voice hoarseness.
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Other signs and symptoms:
- Fast heartbeat, faintness or blacking out.
- Itchy or red skin with a rash.
- Mouth swelling and tingling, or tongue swelling.
- Watery eyes.
How is anaphylaxis treated?
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Call 911 or 0 (operator) for help. Anaphylaxis is an emergency. You will need CPR if your heart or breathing has stopped. Emergency caregivers may give you epinephrine (ep-i-NEF-rin) medicine in a shot or in your vein. This will help your body fight the allergen that is causing your anaphylaxis.
- Your caregiver will quickly treat your breathing, heart, or skin problems. You may need to go into the hospital. If you are sent home from the emergency room, you should have someone stay with you. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis can sometimes come back within a few hours of the attack.
- Your caregiver may ask you to see an allergy doctor or immunologist. These caregivers may do blood and skin tests to learn what you are allergic to. They can teach you the best ways to avoid the allergens that caused your anaphylaxis. You may need immunotherapy or allergy shots to make you less sensitive to the things that you are allergic to.
Wear a medical alert bracelet: Wear a medical alert bracelet that says you have had anaphylaxis. Emergency caregivers will be able to treat you quickly in case you cannot talk during an attack. Contact the following organization for more information:
- MedicAlert Foundation
2323 Colorado Avenue
Turlock, CA 95382
Phone: 1-888-633-4298
Web Address: http://www.medicalert.org
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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