Anaphylaxis

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is the most severe reaction to an allergen, a substance your immune system considers harmful to you. 

When you come in contact with your allergen, your immune system releases chemicals that trigger an allergic reaction. The severity of the reaction varies from mild to life-threatening. 

In most cases, allergy symptoms only affect one part of the body. However, with anaphylaxis, the allergic reaction involves multiple body systems.

If you have allergies or asthma and a family history of anaphylaxis, then you’re at greater risk of having this life-threatening reaction. 

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis symptoms vary but involve more than one body part. Signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction include:

• Hives 
• Swelling in the throat or other parts of the body
• Tightness in the chest
• Anxiety
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Palpitations
• Loss of consciousness

Anaphylaxis symptoms most often appear within five to 30 minutes after you come in contact with your allergen. However, it may take over an hour for you to notice the symptoms.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. 

When do I need to see an allergist for anaphylaxis?

You need to schedule an appointment with the board-certified allergists at Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan if you had, or think you had, an anaphylactic reaction. 

They also recommend you come in for an evaluation if you have asthma or allergies and a family history of anaphylaxis. 

The highly skilled physicians at Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan take a personalized approach to care. During your initial evaluation, they ask detailed questions to fully understand your health history and concerns so they can create the most effective plan.

They also perform allergy testing to identify the substance or substances that might trigger the severe life-threatening reaction. 

What are the treatments for anaphylaxis?

Treatment for anaphylaxis focuses on avoiding your allergen and having an emergency plan in case of exposure.

Your provider at Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan spends time talking to you about your symptoms and allergens. Working together, you develop a plan of action, which includes when and how to use an epinephrine auto-injector (to reduce the severity of symptoms). 

To get help designing your anaphylaxis plan, call Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan or schedule an appointment online today.

We offer fully customizable treatment for food allergies, including Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) exclusively or in tandem with Xolair. Dr. Mayer has been treating food allergies for over 20 years and was one of the first providers to incorporate Xolair into successful food allergy treatments. Call us to book your appointment today.