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Anaphylaxis: Anaphylactic Reaction, Adult

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Anaphylactic Reaction, Adult

An anaphylactic reaction (anaphylaxis) is a sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects multiple areas of the body. Affected areas of the body may include the skin, mouth, lungs, heart, or gut (digestive system). Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. This condition requires immediate medical attention, and sometimes hospitalization.

CAUSES
This condition is …show more content…

• Make sure that you, the members of your household, and your employer know:
○ How to use an anaphylaxis kit.
○ How to use an auto-injector pen to give you an epinephrine injection.
• Replace your epinephrine immediately after you use your auto-injector pen, in case you have another reaction.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that states your allergy, if told by your health care provider.
• Learn the signs of anaphylaxis.
• Work with your health care providers to come up with an anaphylaxis plan. Preparation is important. General Instructions
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you have hives or a rash:
○ Use an over-the-counter antihistamine as told by your health care provider.
○ Apply cold, wet cloths (cold compresses) to your skin or take baths or showers in cool water. Avoid hot water.
• If you had tests done, it is your responsibility to get your test results. Ask your health care provider or the department performing the tests when your results will be ready.
• Tell any health care providers who care for you that you have an …show more content…

You may notice them soon after you are exposed to a substance. The symptoms may include:
○ Rash.
○ Headache.
○ Sneezing or a runny nose.
○ Swelling.
○ Nausea.
○ Diarrhea.

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You needed to use epinephrine.
○ An epinephrine injection helps to manage life-threatening allergic reactions, but you still need to go to the emergency room even if epinephrine seems to work. This is important because anaphylaxis may happen again within 72 hours (rebound anaphylaxis).
○ If you used epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis outside of the hospital, you need additional medical care. This may include more doses of epinephrine.
• You develop:
○ A tight feeling in your chest or throat.
○ Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
○ Hives.
○ Red skin or itching all over your body.
○ Swelling in your lips, tongue, or the back of your throat.
• You have severe vomiting or diarrhea.
• You faint or you feel like you are going to faint.
These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Use your auto-injector pen or anaphylaxis kit as you have been instructed, and get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the

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