Anaphylaxis

 

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can result in tightening of the airways, making it difficult to breath. Anaphylaxis is most commonly experienced by people with severe allergies, when exposure to their allergen causes the immune system to overreact.

What triggers anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis can be caused by contact with food allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. Other triggers may include exposure to insect sting, latex, some medicines (over the counter and alternative therapies) and even exercise.5

Symptoms of anaphylaxis

Symptoms usually appear immediately after contact with the allergen. These include:

  • Difficult and/or noisy breathing
  • Swelling of the tongue
  • Swelling or tightness in the throat
  • Difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice
  • Wheeze or persistent cough
  • Persistent dizziness or collapse
  • Pale and floppy (in young children)2

Treatment of anaphylaxis

Adrenaline injection is the first line treatment of anaphylaxis6, followed by close medical supervision in a hospital. It is imperative you call 000 for emergency assistance, even if your symptoms appear to be improving.

Once diagnosed as anaphylactic, you should always carry an adrenaline autoinjector. It is optimal to carry two of the same adrenaline auto-injector devices in their original packaging to ensure the recommended dose can be given3.

In the event one dose is not enough to reverse the reaction, or the device doesn’t function, be prepared to administer a second dose6.

To avoid uncertainty in an emergency, ensure you and those close to you know how to use the device you have been prescribed.

Emergency Action Plans

As anaphylaxis can occur very quickly, it is essential to have an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis1 for use with Anapen® at the ready, developed with and signed by a doctor or nurse practitioner.

You should learn to recognise the early warning signs of anaphylaxis and keep your Action Plan on hand at all times. Family, friends, teachers, childcare staff and work colleagues should also know how to use the Anapen® autoinjector in case of emergency.

See Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA) and Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) for more detailed information.