Anaphylaxis Treatment

Allergies are more common than you think. In fact, the number of people suffering from allergies may exceed 2 million in the UK. Fortunately, it is easy to handle allergies in most cases with appropriate lifestyle changes and precautions.

However, some people exhibit signs of extreme allergy, which is not so easy to handle. When they get exposed to an allergen, they may experience a situation that is potentially life-threatening. As a result, they experience a physical condition called anaphylaxis, in which their immune system releases certain chemicals that flood the body.

When experiencing anaphylaxis, your blood pressure suddenly drops, and the airways become narrow, creating blockages to normal breathing. If not appropriately treated, anaphylaxis can become incredibly dangerous. In extreme cases, it can have serious complications and even become fatal.

Anaphylaxis occurs as a result of coming in contact with a substance you have an extreme allergy to. Its symptoms may include one or more of the following;

• Feeling too hot or flushed
• A sensation of having a lump in the throat or difficulty swallowing
• The sudden appearance of skin disorders, like rashes, hives, paleness, etc.
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• Abdominal pain
• Runny nose
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Swollen tongue or lips
• Tingling hands, feet, scalp, or mouth

Anaphylaxis may progress to anaphylactic shock if left untreated. Its symptoms may include;

• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Fatigue or a sudden feeling of weakness
• Falling unconscious

Typically, anaphylaxis is caused by an overreaction of the immune system by coming into contact with something your body is severely allergic to. In some cases, anaphylaxis can progress to a full-blown anaphylactic shock. Common triggers for anaphylaxis are;

• Certain medicines, like penicillin
• Animal hair, like cats or dogs
• Certain foods, like nuts, shellfish, milk, or eggs
• Insect stings
• Compounds used in immunotherapy
• Latex

There are some rare cases when simple exercise or aerobic activity may trigger anaphylaxis. In other rare cases, the cause of anaphylaxis remains unknown, making it idiopathic. If you are not clear on what triggers your symptoms, you may need to consult your doctor for running a full battery of tests to identify your allergen.

The potential occurrence of anaphylaxis may increase if you have previously suffered from an anaphylaxis reaction, have existing allergies, or have a family history of anaphylaxis.

Generally, most people learn to avoid their allergy triggers. However, the risk of accidentally eating a peanut or shellfish is always there. Kids seem to be especially vulnerable to allergies and resulting anaphylaxis. If you experience anaphylaxis, please seek emergency treatment immediately.

If you carry an epinephrine auto-injector or EpiPen with you, immediately use it at the onset of symptoms. Also, do not take any other oral medicine when having difficulty breathing. Even if your symptoms subside after taking the EpiPen, please seek immediate medical attention anyway because there is a risk of the symptoms recurring as soon as the medicine wears off.

If anaphylaxis occurs because of a trigger, please remove it as soon as possible. For example, if an insect sting causes the symptoms, immediately remove it from your body. Be very careful when removing the stinger, and make sure to remove it all.

If someone is experiencing anaphylaxis symptoms in front of you, please do the following;

• Call 999 for a medical emergency
• Get the patient in a comfortable position
• Elevate their legs to ensure the blood keeps flowing to the vital organs
• If available, administer the EpiPen immediately
• If necessary, perform CPR until the medical team arrives

The best method to treat anaphylaxis is injecting epinephrine (adrenaline) immediately after the onset of symptoms. It can reduce the severity of the symptoms and allergic reactions.

When experiencing an anaphylactic shock, every passing second matters. That’s why acting without hesitation in administering appropriate treatment is vital for relief, if not survival. In addition, if you have experience with an episode, you may have gotten a prescription for an auto-injector in case of potential future attacks.

EpiPen is the ideal first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. The device is pre-filled with adrenaline necessary to treat a shock. For the sake of convenience, the medicine is designed to be self-injected or administered by a carer. It takes effect immediately. It means that you may not have to wait for an ambulance or medical personnel to arrive to treat the problem. However, it is advisable to call the emergency services when anaphylactic shock strikes regardless of emergency EpiPen administration.

When experiencing anaphylactic shock, certain chemicals flood into your system in response to the shock of allergen. It causes the blood pressure to suddenly drop and the airways to become narrow, blocking your ability to breathe properly. The adrenalin administered through an EpiPen works to counteract this dangerous and potentially fatal reaction. The epinephrine first constricts the blood vessels to reduce swelling, in addition to increasing blood pressure. It also works to relax the lungs and throat, making it easier to breathe properly. Lastly, it stops the further release of chemicals causing the reaction in the body and prevent the adverse reaction from continuing.

You can buy an EpiPen for the treatment of anaphylaxis online in packs of 1 or 2 pens. Typically, EpiPens are prescribed by your GP or other healthcare professional after reviewing your need for them. You can also book a confidential appointment with a certified Click Pharmacy health expert. If it is suitable for your condition, you will be prescribed an EpiPen, and you can order a pack to be delivered to your doorstep in no time.

It is always vital to read the patient information leaflet before starting your treatment.