May

27

What

Filed Under Allergy Symptoms 

An anaphylaxis reaction is a severe reaction to an allergen.  This reaction is the most severe allergy symptom that you as the sufferer can possibly get since it can be life threatening.

The anaphylaxis reaction can include skin swelling, hives, lowered blood pressure, fainting and also dilated blood vessels. Shock often results upon exposure to the allergen.  If not treated immediately, the sufferer can die.

What happens in the body is a reaction to the food eaten.  A signal is triggered of a foreign invader and that the body must react by producing disease-fighting antibodies called immunoglobulin E or IgE.  The first exposure to the allergen may not produce any symptoms but may just cause a production of antibodies none the same.  However, upon repeated exposure, the antibodies that were produced the first time will release a large amount of a protein called, “histamine”. This histamine will cause the symptoms associated with the allergic reaction such as the hives, breathing difficulties, drop in blood pressure swelling of throat or lips etc.

Usually itching is first experienced, becoming more severe within minutes.  Then, this is followed by more serious symptoms such as swallowing difficulties and breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, skin hives or angioedema (which is swelling like hives but under the skin). The emergency hotline number should be dialled immediately, if serious symptoms are observed.

A sufferer of severe allergies should prepare for any possible attacks by carrying medication on their person (purse or briefcase, pocket). A common auto-injector, is called, the EpiPen.  It may also be wise to carry some medication around in the case of an emergency taking place.

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