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Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a condition where there is
a serious and rapid allergic reactions to a substance (food or medications) or insect
bites and stings. The allergic reaction usually involves more than one part of the body.
If severe enough this condition can kill. Allergic reactions that occur almost immediately
tend to be most severe.
Causes:
- Wasp and bee stings:
When a sting causes faintness, breathing difficulties, rashes or swelling on a part of the
body which has not been stung. If you just get swelling at the sting site, you are
probably not going to have anaphylaxis if stung again.
- Exercise:
Exercise can cause reactions in some and so may exercise after food.
- Foods:
Especially nuts, some kinds of fruits like bananas, avocados, kiwi fruit, figs, oranges
etc. Vegetables including potatoes and tomatoes.
People may get anaphylaxis from fish and some spices.
- Drugs and Medications:
Penicillins, Anaesthetic drugs, Aspirin and other painkillers.
- Latex:
Mainly latex gloves, condoms and medical products. but also in many things encountered in
daily life. Sufferers are nearly always health care or food preparation workers who have
occupational contact with latex.
- Unknown:
Some sufferers have unexplained attacks where no cause is found. This is called
'idiopathic anaphylaxis'. This term means, "they don't know the cause".
Signs and Symptoms:
- An itchy rash
- Faintness and unconsciousness - this
is due to very low blood pressure
- Swelling
- Swelling in the throat, causing breathing
and swallowing difficulties
- Asthma symptoms
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pains, diarrhea and cramping
- Swelling or tingling feeling in the lips
or mouth.
Treatment:
If you have not experienced serious allergic reactions before, you should call your Doctor
or an Ambulance immediately. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition. |
