Do you also suffer from severe allergies? Let's learn more about anaphylaxis!

Have you ever thought that you could suddenly have an allergy that makes your body feel very uncomfortable after eating a small food item or getting bitten by an insect? Sometimes these allergies can be much more serious than you think. That is what we call anaphylaxis , a severe allergic reaction that can affect your life. Although this is a bit scary, if we are aware of it, we can all treat it in time. So let's talk about this in detail today.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Simply put, anaphylaxis is a very severe, immediate allergic reaction . It can even be life-threatening. It occurs when our body mistakenly thinks something harmless is harmful and overreacts.

Imagine, there are a group of soldiers inside our bodies, which is the immune system. Normally, these soldiers fight off germs that cause disease. However, in some people, these soldiers are a little too sensitive. That is, when something that is actually harmless to the body, like food or medicine, enters the body, these soldiers think it is a big enemy and suddenly start a big fight. That is when a serious condition like anaphylaxis occurs.

What are the allergens that cause anaphylaxis?

We call things that can cause such a severe allergic reaction in our body an allergen . These allergens can vary from person to person. This means that what you are allergic to may not be the same for someone else. However, there are a few things that can most commonly cause anaphylaxis:

• Foods: Some foods, for example, nuts like peanuts and cashews, milk, eggs, seafood like fish and shrimp, soy, and wheat, can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. These conditions are most common in young children.
• Insect stings: Some people can have severe reactions to stings from insects like bees, wasps, and hornets. This happens when the venom from that insect enters the body.
• Medications: Some people can be allergic to certain medications, especially antibiotics like penicillin or painkillers. If you experience unusual symptoms after taking a medication, it is important to talk to a doctor about it.
• Latex: This is a type of natural rubber. It is used to make things like medical gloves and balloons. Some people may be allergic to this latex.

Important: If you know you are allergic to something, it is best to stay away from it as much as possible.

Anaphylaxis is a bit scary when you hear it. However, if we are properly informed and prepared, we can treat this condition quickly. So, let's talk about it without fear.

What are the symptoms of Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis can cause a variety of symptoms to appear suddenly. These symptoms can occur within seconds to minutes , or sometimes as long as half an hour. Also, not everyone has the same symptoms. Some people may have just one symptom, while others may have several symptoms at once.

If one or more of these symptoms appear, you should suspect that it may be anaphylaxis:

• Difficulty breathing: Difficulty breathing, feeling like you are suffocating.
• Throat tightness or feeling like your throat/windpipe is closing: Your throat may feel as if it is swollen from the inside, making it difficult to swallow.
• Hoarseness or difficulty speaking: Suddenly, your voice changes, becomes hoarse, or your words become slurred, making it difficult to speak.
• Wheezing or coughing: A wheezing sound comes from the chest, and the cough continues.
• Nasal congestion or runny nose : Suddenly, your nose becomes blocked and starts to run .
• Nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting and/or diarrhea: Feeling like your stomach is turning, your stomach hurts, you're going to vomit, and you may even have a loose stomach.
• Difficulty swallowing: It becomes difficult to swallow not only food, but even a little saliva.
• Drooling: Involuntary saliva coming out of the mouth.
• Low blood pressure: This can cause dizziness and a feeling of faintness.
• Itchy, red, or swollen skin: The skin may become red and itchy, either all over the body or in patches. Some areas may also swell.
• Hives: Red, swollen, itchy blisters (like chickenpox) can suddenly appear on the body, similar to those caused by mosquito bites.
• Feeling like something terrible is going to happen: For no reason, you feel a lot of fear and anxiety, like "Oh, something is going to happen to me."
• Loss of consciousness: If the condition becomes severe, you may lose consciousness and fall.

Anaphylaxis can have different symptoms each time . For example, someone who had anaphylaxis in the past after eating a food and only developed skin blisters may experience difficulty breathing the next time they eat the same food.

When is this exactly diagnosed as anaphylaxis?

Typically, we suspect anaphylaxis when someone:

• If you have any of the severe symptoms mentioned above: for example, difficulty breathing, prolonged vomiting, loss of consciousness, or severe throat tightness.
• Or, if two or more mild symptoms occur together: for example, if you have hives and vomiting, or if you have a cough and swelling in a part of your body.

Very important: Anyone with these symptoms of anaphylaxis should seek immediate medical attention, as this condition can become serious very quickly.

How is Anaphylaxis treated?

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. This means that it is important to act quickly as soon as symptoms begin. The longer treatment is delayed, the more serious the situation can become.

Doctors usually advise people with severe allergies to always carry a special medicine called epinephrine .

Let's learn about the drug Epinephrine.

Epinephrine is the main and life-saving treatment for anaphylaxis. This medicine is given into the body through a special device. This device is called an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen, Anapen). This medicine also comes as a nasal spray for some young children.

When this epinephrine medication enters the body, it quickly enters the bloodstream and begins to control those severe allergic symptoms. For example:

• If breathing is difficult, it opens the airways and makes breathing easier.
• If blood pressure is low, it helps to restore it.
• Reduces skin swelling and blisters.

Children and young people with severe allergies should always carry an epinephrine kit with them. They should take it with them to school, sports, work, and anywhere else they go. It is very small and easy to use.

If your child's doctor prescribes epinephrine, they will show you exactly how to use it. It is very important to follow those instructions exactly. Also, doctors recommend that you always carry two devices . This is because you may need to give a second dose if one doesn't work, or if symptoms don't improve after the first dose.

Remember about antihistamines too.

Sometimes, your doctor may advise you to take an antihistamine ( e.g., Pyridoxine) in addition to epinephrine. These can help control some mild symptoms, such as itching and hives.

However, this is something to remember: Never give an antihistamine instead of epinephrine for a severe allergic reaction, i.e., when there are symptoms of anaphylaxis! Antihistamines cannot control the severe, life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis (such as difficulty breathing, low blood pressure). The mainstay of treatment is always epinephrine.

What to do in an emergency:

1. If you see someone showing symptoms of anaphylaxis, use the epinephrine auto-injector immediately. Don't panic, use it as you are used to.

2. Then, immediately call the 1990 ambulance service or take the patient to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Even if epinephrine is given, hospitalization is essential. Because sometimes symptoms can reappear after the drug's effect has worn off (Biphasic reaction).

3. Make the patient lie down comfortably . If breathing is difficult, elevate the patient slightly. If vomiting occurs, turn the patient to one side.

4. If possible, remove the allergen (e.g., if you were stung by an insect, remove the stinger).

The most important thing - things we need to remember (Take-Home Message)

Although anaphylaxis is a serious condition, we can protect ourselves from it if we are properly aware of it and take the necessary steps.

• If you or someone in your family has severe allergies, seek medical advice to identify the exact allergen causing it.
• If your doctor has prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector, keep it with you at all times. Know exactly how to use it, and teach other family members.
• If your child has this condition, inform teachers and friends at school, in class, and on what to do in an emergency.
• Stay away from allergens as much as possible. For foods, read the labels on food packages carefully.
• Never ignore the symptoms of anaphylaxis. Seek immediate treatment.

Remember, epinephrine given on time can save a life!

So, I hope you now have a better understanding of Anaphylaxis. I hope this information will be useful to you and your loved ones. Stay healthy!

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