photo by H. Valdez
Anaphylaxis is defined as “a severe, life-threatening allergic response that may be characterized by symptoms such as lowered blood pressure, wheezing, vomiting or diarrhea, and swelling and hives.”
For those who have witnessed or experienced anaphylaxis, it is something they know well and will never forget. For those who have not the common question is, "How do I know it is anaphylaxis?"
Allergists and other medical professionals have diagnostic tools at their disposal (such as blood pressure monitors). Most allergic individuals, however, will not know if they have lowered blood pressure or if their vomiting, diarrhea, and/or hives is anaphylaxis or a less severe reaction.
Learn About Symptoms and Have a Treatment Plan
Most allergists will give their patients a treatment plan as to when to administer the EpiPen, a life saving medication. If you have received such advice from your allergist, you should follow it. If you have not, you should ask. All allergies and allergic individuals are different. The plan you outline with your allergist will be based on your history of reactions. This article is not meant to replace what your allergist has told you, but to share what many allergists feel is the proper protocol.
Many agree that obvious wheezing, difficulty breathing, and blue lips, among other severe symptoms warrant the EpiPen immediately. Less severe symptoms must be considered on a case by case basis.
Some allergists believe that single system reactions such as hives only, itchy eyes only, etc. warrant a wait-and-see approach but that multiple systemic reactions such as hives and itchy mouth warrant use of the EpiPen.
The main issue is that any reaction, no matter how mild, can develop into anaphylaxis over a period of time. All reactions, no matter how small, should be watched closely for potential delayed reactions or symptoms.
Anti-histamines
Many allergic individuals use an anti-histamine for their food allergic reactions. When an individual consumes an allergen, the immune system recognizes the allergen as an invader and produces histamines. In theory an anti-histamine will help in combating some of the histamines produced but will not prevent a life threatening reaction and possibly will only delay one.
That's not to say that anti-histamines can't be used successfully for some mild situations. Single-system reactions that appear to be mild may resolve with an anti-histamine. However, remember that the allergic individual must be watched as the reaction could come back when the anti-histamine wears off.
Here is a link to an anaphylaxis grading chart that you can print out and keep on hand. It will help to guide you in your decision as to how to treat your allergy symptoms. Remember to discuss your plan with your allergist.
article by Ruth Smith. Ruth is the mother of a child with multiple life threatening food allergies and founder of Best Allergy Sites: a food allergy directory and resource guide.
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