– Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system overreacts to a substance that is normally harmless. It can affect multiple organs and systems in the body, such as the skin, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.

– Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention and treatment with epinephrine, which is a hormone that can reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

🔅 Common causes of anaphylaxis

1) Food products: such as peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, and sesame.

2) Medications: such as antibiotics (especially penicillin and sulfa drugs), aspirin, ibuprofen, and some chemotherapy drugs.

3) Insect stings: from bees, wasps, hornets, fire ants, and yellow jackets.

4) Latex products: such as gloves, balloons, and condoms.

5) Exercise-induced anaphylaxis: which occurs when physical activity triggers an allergic reaction.

🔅 Symptoms of anaphylaxis

A) Skin reactions: such as hives, itching, flushing, and swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and face.

B) Respiratory symptoms: such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and difficulty swallowing.

C) Cardiovascular symptoms: such as low blood pressure, rapid or weak pulse, dizziness, fainting, and shock.

D) Gastrointestinal symptoms: such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

E) Nervous system symptoms: anxiety, confusion, headache, and loss of consciousness.

🔅 Prevention of Anaphylaxis

• Avoiding substances that trigger an allergic reaction.

• Wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace that identifies the allergy.

• Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector at all times and knowing how to use it.

• Seeking emergency medical care after using epinephrine or experiencing anaphylaxis symptoms.

• Consulting an allergist or immunologist for diagnosis and treatment of allergies.

Anaphylaxis is a serious medical condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of anaphylaxis.