How to Spot the Signs of Anaphylaxis So You Can Act Fast

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 4 children living in the United States have at least one allergy-related condition. 

Allergies occur when your immune system identifies a harmless substance as harmful, triggering a distinct reaction. 

Some symptoms of allergic reactions can be mild, such as sneezing and itchy eyes, especially in response to environmental allergens like pollen. However, for people who are allergic to certain foods or medications, insect stings, or latex, a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis is a real possibility after allergen exposure. 

Recognizing the signs of anaphylaxis is a huge part of a reliable allergy treatment plan when you’re at risk for developing it. So, Chad W. Mayer, DO, FAAAAI, FAAP, and our team at Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan in Farmington Hills, Michigan, want to discuss telltale signs that it’s time to spring into action against anaphylaxis in this month’s blog. 

What is anaphylaxis?

When you have any type of allergy, your immune system releases a signaling chemical known as histamine, which tells your body to initiate an inflammatory response. The volume of histamine released determines the severity of the reaction, and not all allergies or amounts of allergen exposure trigger the same histamine quantity. 

If your particular allergy triggers a huge spike in histamine levels, no matter how much of the allergen you’re exposed to, you become seriously at risk for anaphylaxis. Too much histamine triggers anaphylaxis, narrowing your airways, dropping your blood pressure, and lowering your heart rate.

How to recognize anaphylaxis

In some cases, anaphylaxis can start with milder symptoms and develop slowly. However, some allergies trigger a fast and furious reaction, which leads to a much more severe and potentially fatal form of anaphylaxis known as anaphylactic shock.

Not everyone has the same symptoms, but some anaphylaxis warning signs to watch out for include:

• Skin swelling and redness
• Hives or an itchy rash
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty swallowing
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Increased heart rate
• Dizziness
• Headache

As the reaction continues to develop, the symptoms can worsen. 

More serious symptoms and signs of possible anaphylactic shock include:

• Severe swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe dizziness
• Pale blue skin
• Intense anxiety and feelings of doom
• Weak pulse
• Loss of consciousness

Any of these symptoms can develop within a few minutes of allergen exposure and require immediate medical attention to avoid fatal complications.

Lower your risk of anaphylaxis

If you’ve ever had anaphylaxis, it’s imperative that you see our team for expert allergy treatment. Creating an allergy action plan is the key to lowering your risk for this serious reaction.

Our allergy treatment plans include diagnosing your specific allergies, providing you with practical ways to avoid your triggers, and prescribing epinephrine pens to counteract any anaphylaxis reactions.

In addition, Dr. Mayer is a leading specialist in oral and sublingual immunotherapy, an allergy treatment that lowers your sensitivity to allergens and reduces your risk for anaphylaxis as a result.  

To schedule an appointment for expert allergy treatment, simply call our office or use our online booking feature today.