What to do if you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)? Let's talk about this!

Oh my, these `allergies` or things called allergies can be very annoying sometimes, right? Although they start with a little itching and redness of the skin, some allergies can be so severe that they can even affect life. One such severe allergic condition that requires immediate treatment is `Anaphylaxis`. If you are properly aware of this, you can do a great deal if you or someone you know needs help.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Simply put, `Anaphylaxis` is a very severe, life-threatening allergic reaction . This condition occurs when our body's immune system suddenly reacts very strongly to something that we think is harmful to our body (we call these `allergens`). Imagine, a friend of yours, let's say his name is Nimal. Nimal has a very severe `allergy` when he eats peanuts. Let's say one day at a party, he accidentally eats a piece of food containing peanuts. Within a few minutes, Nimal starts having difficulty breathing, his whole body turns red and blisters, and his throat feels tight. This is the condition called `Anaphylaxis`. There are several main things that can cause this `Anaphylaxis` condition:

• Foods: Some foods are completely intolerant to some people. For example, nuts like peanuts and cashews, milk, eggs , fish and other seafood , wheat, and soy are the main ones. Even a small amount can cause a severe reaction.
• Insect stings: Some people can be severely allergic to the stings of animals such as wasps and hornets. This condition occurs when the venom enters the body.
• Medications: Some medications, for example antibiotics like penicillin or painkillers , can cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Latex: This is a type of natural rubber. Medical gloves and balloons contain latex. Some people can also have severe allergies to this.

Anaphylaxis is a scary thing. But if you are prepared for it in advance, you can treat it quickly if a reaction occurs.

What are the symptoms of Anaphylaxis?

Now let's look at the symptoms of `Anaphylaxis`. These symptoms can vary from person to person, and even the same person can show different symptoms at different times. The main symptoms that can be seen are these:

• Difficulty breathing : Difficulty breathing, feeling suffocated. It may also feel like your chest is tightening.
• Throat tightness or tightness: The inside of the throat may feel swollen and the airway may feel blocked. As if someone is squeezing your throat.
• Voice changes or difficulty speaking: The voice becomes hoarse, and words cannot be pronounced clearly.
• Wheezing or coughing: There may be a "cheese-cheese" sound coming from the chest, and there may be a continuous cough.
• Nasal congestion : The nasal discharge is not draining, but the nose feels blocked.
• Nausea, stomach cramps , vomiting and/or diarrhea: Feeling like your stomach is turning, feeling nauseous, possibly vomiting, and possibly passing stool.
• Difficulty swallowing: Not only can you have difficulty eating and drinking, but you may also have difficulty swallowing saliva.
• Drooling: You may inadvertently drool from your mouth.
• Hypotension: Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and blurred vision.
• Itching, redness, or swelling of the skin: The skin may become red and itchy, either all over the body or in spots. Sometimes it may also swell.
• Hives (Urticaria): Red, itchy, raised welts (hives/urticaria) appear on the skin.
• A feeling that something very bad is going to happen: A feeling of great fear, anxiety. A feeling like, "Oh, something is going to happen to me."
• Syncope: In the most severe cases, there may be loss of consciousness and even collapse.

If someone has any of the severe symptoms mentioned above (e.g., difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, loss of consciousness, throat tightness), or two or more relatively mild symptoms (e.g., rash and vomiting, or cough and body swelling), it should be considered a case of `Anaphylaxis`.

It is essential to provide medical treatment to someone with these symptoms immediately, without delay!**

How is Anaphylaxis treated?

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires immediate help.This reaction can get worse very quickly, so timing is key. Epinephrine is a special medicine that doctors usually prescribe for people with severe allergies.

• This medicine, called epinephrine, can be given through an auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) or, for some people, as a nasal spray.
• An ``auto-injector'' is, simply put, a small injection-like device that is pre-filled with medication that you can use yourself in an emergency. It is very easy to use.
• This epinephrine medicine is absorbed directly into the bloodstream and begins to control those severe allergic symptoms very quickly.
• It is essential for people with severe allergies, especially young people, to always carry an epinephrine device with them when going to school, playing sports, going to work, and for any other activity. These devices are very small and easy to carry.
• If you are prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector, your doctor will teach you how to use it.
• The most important thing is to always carry two epinephrine kits with you. This is to use if one doesn't work properly, or if you need another dose after the first dose.

Your doctor may also recommend taking antihistamines (the pills we usually take for allergies) in some cases. However, remember that epinephrine is the mainstay of treatment for a severe allergic reaction. Never use antihistamines alone instead of epinephrine for a severe reaction!

What should you do if you have anaphylaxis?

Okay, now let's see what to do if you suddenly develop symptoms of `Anaphylaxis`. If you start to feel these things, use your `Epinephrine` immediately, without delay:

• If you have difficulty breathing.
• If your throat feels tight or constricted.
• If you feel faint, as if your body is losing its life.
• If two or more relatively mild allergic symptoms appear at the same time (for example, a cough accompanied by a rash, or a stomachache accompanied by skin swelling).

Don't waste time thinking, "Oh, let's see, maybe this is right. I'll try an inhaler, or I'll try an antihistamine." Every second counts in anaphylaxis. Use the epinephrine immediately!

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, follow these steps: 1. Use epinephrine immediately.Learn how to use your auto-injector well in advance and practice it. 2. Then, immediately call 1990 (Sri Lanka's emergency ambulance service), or ask someone nearby to call the number. If you are in another country, use the emergency number for that country. 3. Until the ambulance arrives, lie down with your legs slightly elevated. You can also prop your legs up on a chair or a wall. This will help keep your blood pressure stable. 4. Even if your symptoms subside after using epinephrine, or you feel better, be sure to go to the hospital's emergency department.

• What does this mean? Sometimes, after the initial reaction has subsided, severe symptoms can recur within a few hours. This is called a ``biphasic reaction.'' This means that it can become difficult again after a while. Therefore, it is essential to keep yourself under medical supervision for a few hours.
• Further treatment can be provided at the hospital if necessary.

What else do you want to know?

When living with anaphylaxis, it's best to be prepared in advance to ensure your safety.

• Always carry two Epinephrine devices with you, wherever you go. This could save your life, so don't forget it. You can keep one in your bag and the other in your pocket.
• Avoid foods you know you are allergic to completely. This is the most important thing. When eating food, check the ingredients carefully. When eating food from a new place, ask the person who prepared it to be sure.
• Tell your friends, family, teachers, co-workers, and coaches about your allergy. Also, let them know how to get help if you have an emergency (e.g., how to use epinephrine, calling 911). It's a good idea to let them know.

Finally, take-home message:

Anaphylaxis is a very serious condition, no doubt about it. However, rather than being afraid of it, it is important to be well-informed about it and be prepared to take the necessary steps.

• Identify the symptoms properly.
• Always keep Epinephrine with you, even two!
• As soon as symptoms appear, use epinephrine without delay.
• Then go to a hospital immediately, even if the symptoms subside.
• Stay as far away as possible from things you are allergic to.

If you take care of these things, you can live a safe, normal life even with `Anaphylaxis.` You are not alone, and your doctor is always there to talk about this and get help.

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Anaphylaxis, severe allergies, epinephrine, allergy symptoms, emergency treatment, allergens